Lee Roy Stewart

Lee Roy Stewart, known to many as Roy, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born on June 27, 1933, in Lakewood, Florida, to W.B. ("Pop") and Nellie (Dean) Stewart. Roy spent his early years in Conway, South Carolina, where he worked while attending school, sweeping floors in a tobacco barn. One memory that stayed with him for a lifetime was earning enough money to attend his very first picture show. Partway through the film, people began leaving early and rushing home. Roy stayed to finish the movie, and when he returned, he asked his mother what was happening. She told him, "Pearl Harbor was just bombed.". It was December 7, 1941, and Roy was just eight years old.

Around 1947, Roy and his family moved back to Lakewood, Florida. Soon after, he met his future bride, Betty Miller. With determination and a young heart full of love, Roy would ride his horse from Lakewood to 6th Avenue in Florala, just to see her. In 1951, Roy joined the United States Navy. That same year, on November 16th, he and Betty drove to Pascagoula, Mississippi, and were married. The only thing they had to eat on that trip was an RC Cola and cheese crackers, a humble beginning that became a cherished anniversary tradition. After starting their family, Roy and Betty moved to Panama City in 1954, where Roy worked at the International Paper Mill for almost ten years. In 1963, the family returned to Lakewood, building a home just fifty feet from where Roy had been born.
Over the years, Roy held many roles-working, alongside his father at Stewart's Tire Shop, Zorn's, Lockhart Lumber Company, and running the Big R with Betty. In 1974, they purchased Four Points Auto Parts, now known as Betty's Fireworks. Later, in 1986, he bought the old Chevy dealership and opened City Tire, which he operated until retirement.

In retirement, Roy spent his days piddling in his barn, caring for his cows and horses, and making daily trips into town to eat at the Big R, where he was known for his visits and conversation.

A man of unwavering faith, Roy was a founding member of Bethel Baptist Church in Paxton, Florida, and lived with a deep devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His grandchildren will always cherish memories of "Papa" leading the family in prayer at every gathering.

Roy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of seventy-four years, Betty Stewart; his son, Robert Stewart; son-in-law, Jacky Partridge; his parents, W.B. and Nellie Stewart; his brothers, Ray, Johnnie, Walter, and Jimmie Stewart; and his sister, Jeanette Smith. He is survived by five children: Sara Tucker, Kathy Partridge (Jim), and Danny Stewart; his sister, Janice Ansley; ten grandchildren: Janie Goolsby (Jeff), Buckey Stewart (Paula), Mandy Petty (Brian), Sandy Hunt (Tom), Becky Hunt (Alex), Stephanie Schooley (Chris), Andrew Partridge (Gretchen), Henry Stewart, Devin, and Abbie Stewart; seventeen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Roy's legacy of faith, and hard work will live on through the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.

A visitation will be held Monday, May 26, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the home, 23457 Fifth Avenue, Florala, Alabama. A graveside Navy military service will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Paxton Cemetery, 435-491 County Highway 147 West, Laurel Hill, Florida. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins of DeFuniak Springs.

Visitation will be held at the home on the right, not at the restaurant. Parking: beside and around the house, behind the restaurant, and across the street at Betty’s Fireworks.