Thomas Newell Stewart Jr., 74, of Statesville, N.C., passed away at Iredell Memorial Hospital Monday, November 1, following a lengthy illness.

He was born July 10, 1947, in Iredell County and was the son of the late Thomas Newell Stewart Sr. and Ethel Robinette Stewart. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Sandra Hines, a grandson, Austin James Baker; a niece Heather Hines; and numerous close aunts and uncles.

He was a graduate of Celeste Henkel School, Class of 1965, and was the owner and operator of Tommy’s Sign Shop in Statesville. He was a faithful, lifetime member of Beulah Baptist Church, and was a Vietnam Vet, serving in the U.S. Navy Sea Bees from 1966 to 1968.

Along with his wife of 50 years Ann Stewart, he is also survived by three children, Jamie Bass (Angie), Tammy Bass Chuby (Jeff) and Joey Stewart Dill (Jason); nine grandchildren, Cody Bass, Chris Bass, Matthew Baker, Aaron Crawford (Nadine), Tyler Chuby (Chloe), Jordan Warlick (Bo), Karie Howard (Caleb) and Kimberly Tolbert; three great grandchildren, Layla, Rosie and Sylas; one sister, Linda Plyler; and three nephews, Ashley Plyler, Jeremy Plyler and Jesse Hines (Melissa).

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Burgess and Rev. Henry Cook officiating. Mr. Stewart will lie in state on Thursday from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. at Beulah Baptist Church. Active pallbearers will be Christopher Bass, Cody Bass, Caleb Howard, Tyler Chuby, Aaron Crawford and Bo Warlick.

Memorials may be made to Purple Heart Homes and Wounded Warriors. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.