Darrell Lynn Stewart, 76, of Lynchburg, passed away early Friday morning, March 1, after a bravely fought battle with cancer. Darrell was born on May 1, 1942, and grew up in Lynchburg’s “Cotton Hill” neighborhood, surrounded by a large close-knit family and many friends. He graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1960 and then joined the Marine Corps. Upon his discharge, he went to work for Southern Parts & Bearings, and then for Lynchburg Foundry, where he spent more than 40 years as a storeroom manager and buyer.
Darrell and his wife, Joan Mays Stewart, were married in 1962 and had two children, Susan and Michael. He had a lifelong love of music and enjoyed singing in church choir, performing in productions at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center, and playing in local bands Blackwater and Revised Edition. He enjoyed many years of music and laughter performing as an “end man” in the Brookville High School Band Boosters Variety Show. He loved nature and flowers, and spent many happy hours working in his yard and on projects around the house. He loved golf, the New York Yankees, the Blue Ridge Mountains, banana pudding, a good joke and duct tape. He was always quick with a joke and a kind word, and never missed a chance to help a friend in need. He loved life and always had a positive outlook. He loved his church family at Marsh Memorial United Methodist Church.
More than anything, he loved his family dearly. He and Joan had 56 happy years together (“And they said it wouldn’t last!”). He is survived by Joan, Susan and Michael; daughter-in-law Jenell Zemany Stewart; grandchildren Kaelah, Madison, Jaxon, Carter, Brady, Corbin and Eleanor; sister Lillian Beaman, of Garner, NC; many loved nieces and nephews; and several grand-dogs. Darrell wished to be cremated. He also asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Marsh Memorial United Methodist Church.
There will be a visitation with the family at Whitten Funeral Home, Timberlake Chapel, on Tuesday, March 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Marsh Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 9, at 1:00 p.m. Darrell would want us to be happy that he is with the Lord, so please come help us share in his love and joy.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.
Whitten Timberlake Chapel is serving the family, (434) 239-0331.
