Franklin Ray Stewart, age 73, of Ft. McCoy, FL passed away on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in Ocala, FL following a lengthy illness.
Ray was born January 3, 1937 in Cartersville GA., Bartow County to the late James and Mandy Stewart.
Ray grew up in Bartow County then spent a great deal of his life in Norcross, GA. He retired from the United States Air Force as well as a retiree of Government Services Administration, Atlanta. After retirement he moved to Ft. McCoy Florida to be near his daughter. There he enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed riding his favorite pets around the farm on his 4 wheeler and scooter.
Survived by his children: Crystal and John Thursby of Ft. McCoy FL., Sue Lynn & Doug Hampton, Manchester, TN, Mike Villyard of Dacula, GA , Scott Villyard of Atlanta, GA;
Grandchildren: Cody & Eilleen Thursby, Jaison & Ivy Thursby of Ocala, FL, Jenna Rae Thursby of Daytona Beach, FL;
Great Grandchildren: Christian Thursby, Abbigayle Thursby, Pexton Thursby, Tyler Thursby, Chase Legette, Livia Legette, Gauge Legette, Aiden Ray Thursby all of Ocala, FL;
Sisters: Shirley Jackson of Cartersville, GA., Bobbie and Hugh Crawford of Cartersville, Maydene Taylor of Rome, GA;
Neices and nephews: Connie Sue and John Searcy of Cartersville, Robert and Barbara Jackson of Cartersville, Ricky and Jennifer Jackson of Maryland, Ronny and Ruth Jackson of Rossville, GA., Terrie Southerland of Cartersville, Jeff and Angie Woody of Cartersville, Shelley D'Elia of Cartersville, Cindy and Robert Greene of Cartersville, Jacque Stilwell of Rochester, NY; and several great nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a nephew and his wife, Monty and Ann Woody of Cartersville, and brother-in-law, Robert Jackson of Rome, GA.
Graveside Service with full military honors and interment will be held Friday March 26, 2010 at 2:30 PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave. Bushnell, FL.
My condolences to all the family and may our Lord, Jesus, The Christ, give each of you Peace and Comfort in this time of your loss.
God Loved Ray, and He Loves You! Amen!
I just wanted to say that I loved Ray some much and was a great dad to me and all his children. I’ll miss him so much he was a good man and know he’s with the Lord and having a great time not in any pain. God please take care of the family that he had to let go he is with the Lord now just remember all the good times with him.
Love,
Mike villyard
I was not Ray’s daughter in law but from the first time I met him he treated like I was his daughter. I loved him as a Father as well may God comfort you in your morning remember we are to rejoice he is with our Lord.
Betty Brewer