Dickie Ray Stewart

Born in Griffin Community in Pickens County, Dickie was the son of the late W. Ray and Irene Anthony Stewart. He graduated from Pickens High School in 1968 and later attended Anderson Jr. College and Greenville Technical College. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from December 1970 through April 1975, receiving an Honorable Discharge. He last worked at Builder’s First Source, but was most recently retired. Dickie was a member of Secona Baptist Church where he sang in the church choir and served as the unofficial cook for many church activities. He also served in several community and civic organizations.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three daughters and sons-in-law; Kerry Stewart Straight and Paul of Charleston, SC, Alanna Stewart Trotter and Chad of Pickens, SC, and Erin Stewart Meyer and Erler of Spartanburg, SC. Known affectionately as Grumpy, Dickie leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren Bryson Trotter, Kenna Trotter, Jack Straight, Ruby Straight, Griffin Trotter, Christos Meyer, and Seraphima Meyer, due in January 2016. He leaves behind two sisters and brothers-in-law; Rosemary Parker and Kenneth of Easley, SC and Jane Davis and Dan of Anderson, SC; his mother-in-law, Doris Chappell; his sister-in-law and brother-inlaw, Becky Evett and Ricky both of Pickens, SC and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dickie was preceded in death by his beloved father-in-law, Buren Chappell. “A life not lived as ordinary is by definition, extraordinary” is how Dickie chose to live and how he died. He had a thirst for knowledge which fed his prolific reading habit. He read thousands of books and remembered most everything he read. He loved his high school sweetheart who became his wife, his daughters, his sons-in-law, his grandchildren and his sisters as evidenced by his dedication to them and their devotion to him. He loved his extended family and demonstrated that in the countless hours he spent organizing family reunions, researching the family history, and organizing and sharing that research.

He conquered the physical challenges of recovering from heart by-pass surgery by becoming an expert on a heart-healthy diet and challenging himself physically: he ran in this year’s Cooper River Bridge Run. He loved his church and put that love into action in his quiet efforts to offer encouragement, support, or a helping hand to those in need. He accomplished all these things and more with a twinkle in his eyes, a smile on his face, a sparkling sense of humor, and a humility of spirit. His final act proved just how extraordinary he was as he placed his own life in danger while coming to the aid of a cherished friend and neighbor. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” John 15:13.

Funeral services to honor his life will be held on Friday, September 18th at 3 p.m. at Secona Baptist Church.

Burial services will be held immediately following at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday,

September 17th at Dillard Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Secona Baptist Church Pickens, S.C.