Edwin "Ed" Stewart

Burlington - Ed Stewart, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A native of Harnett County, he was the son of the late William and Lizzie Wicker Stewart and was married for 68 years to the love of his life, Meldred “Mel” Stewart, who survives.
Ed attended Louisburg College where he excelled in baseball before serving two years as a medic in the United States Army during the Korean War.
He later attended UNC Chapel Hill where he received his Master’s degree in education.  He accepted a position at Boone Trail High School where he taught history and coached all sports.  He then graduated from Duke University School of Physical Therapy. Shortly thereafter, he became the first physical therapist in Alamance County working as head of the Alamance County Hospital physical therapy department for over 16 years and the Alamance County Health Department.  In 1978 , Ed founded Stewart Physical Therapy Clinic and worked hard to build his practice until he retired in 1998.
Throughout his life , he loved to play and later coach numerous sports,  including baseball basketball and soccer. Ed also loved playing his weekly bridge game with his good friends, watching sports especially UNC, playing golf, traveling and most importantly, spending time with his family and friends.  Ed, who was lovingly known as “Daddy Ed Honey “always welcomed everyone with a big smile and a warm hug.
Ed was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and loved sharing his faith with others. He grew up attending Spring Hill Methodist Church in Lillington NC, was an active member of Front St. Methodist Church and loved his connection to St. Mark’s Church in Burlington NC.
He is survived by his wife, Mel Stewart; children, Debra Stewart Scott and husband, Stevens, Jan Stewart Atkins and husband, Darren and Edwin Buie Stewart II and wife, Elizabeth Gray; grandchildren, Stewart Sineath and Lindsey Sineath Rowe and husband Parker; great grandchildren, Berkley  Rowe and Skylar Rowe ; sister, Joyce Stewart Johnson and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lizzie Stewart, three sisters and five brothers.
A service to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 24th at Front Street United Methodist Church by Rev. Ross Carter and Rev. Bob Disher. The family will receive friends in the church’s reception hall immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to Front Street United Methodist Church, 136 S. Fisher St., Burlington NC 27215 or St. Marks Church ,1230 St Marks Church Rd., Burlington NC 27215 or Spring Hill Methodist Church, 1960 Spring Hill Church Rd., Lillington NC 27546.