James Stewart Obituary

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of James “Earl” Stewart who passed peacefully on July 14, 2025 at the age of 84 , surrounded by his wife and family. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm Friday, July 18th at Ott and Lee of Forest. Second visitation will be held from 9-10am Saturday, July 19th at Salem Baptist Church, with the funeral service following at 10am to be officiated by Bro. Larry Duncan.Burial will take place at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery to be officiated by Bro. Gary Morris.

He was born in Union, MS on March 15, 1941 to Malcolm Lee and Marguerite Stewart. He lived most of his early childhood in Conehatta, MS before moving with his family to Lake, MS. He began working at an early age on the farm and his first “real” job was with J. B. Wolf Lumber Co. in Lake, MS. He spent numerous years there honing his craft as a Sawyer/Millwright. He was highly respected and sought after in his field from places as far away as New Mexico. He spent the last 35 years of his working life at King Lumber Co. in Forest, MS as a Millwright and Planer Mill Foreman helping to mold and build new generations of craftsman to follow in his footsteps. One of his greatest achievements was being asked to saw many of the wood displays featured in the Mississippi Natural Science Museum and took pride in the fact that his children and grandchildren could visit the museum over the years to view his contribution to the state’s history.

In his personal life, he was first and foremost a family man who feriously loved his wife and children. He had a strong faith and loved the Lord with all his heart always giving God the glory for any accomplishment in his life . He was a life long member of Salem Baptist Church.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter in his younger life spending countless hours in the pursuit of a beautiful catfish, perch or the Big Buck! He taught all of his grandchildren to hunt and fish. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his rowdy children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with his beloved Audrey by his side.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Shirley Coonce and Gary Stewart; and a grandson, Brady Stewart. He is survived by his loving wife, Audrey Fay Williamson Stewart; three children, Patricia Fay Denning (Bill), Janice Craig; and Stanley Earl Stewart (Angie); and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren to carry on his legacy. 

You will be missed so much by us all-Till we meet again!

Ott and Lee of Forest is honored to serve the Stewart family during this difficult time.