June 9, 1945–October 29, 2024
David Andrews Stewart was born on June 9, 1945, in Portsmouth, Va., to Walter Lonzo Stewart Jr. and Camille Lee Andrews Stewart. He passed away in hospital in Newport News, Va., on the morning of October 29, 2024, from complications of diabetes.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Jean Bankes Shamblin Stewart, companion for 35 years in December 2024; children, Jon Eric Stewart, Daintry Kirstin Stewart Ganz, Quinn Ryan Shamblin; siblings, Gladys Stewart Goree, Cammie Stewart Umphlett; five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Walter Lonzo Stewart (Sonny), and David’s former wife, Kathee Anderson Stewart Gladden.
David fondly remembered his high school education at Shenandoah Valley Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) boarding school in New Market, Va. It had a profound and positive impact on his life.
David entered the Army on October 6, 1962 and served for three years. David’s twin brother, Sonny, entered the Army a few months later serving at the military hospital with him in Berlin, Germany. Back in the States after Army life, David worked a variety of jobs. In 1967 he took up a career as a longshoreman for the Hampton Roads Shipping Association–International Longshoremen’s Association in Norfolk, Va. Over time he became a stevedore/dock foreman. In 1996, after 30 years, he retired and moved to Perryville, Md.
Although retired, David did not sit on his laurels. At age 50 he enrolled in Cecil Community College in Perryville. In 2001 he completed an associate’s degree in Human Services/Aging Option at Frederick Community College while simultaneously serving as a teaching assistant, a position that he loved. He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and a liaison for the System for Student Success Advisory Board. He was in Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges, nominated for the All-USA Academic Team, and a member of the Maryland Academic Team.
In 2005, David completed the five-year certificate in Lay Ministry of Evangelism from Andrews University.
David was artistic and creative. From early years, he had a passion for photography, writing, cars, Hot-wheel cars, music, poetry, and shopping. These passions stayed with him his entire life. He was an avid community volunteer, serving several years as chairman of the board for the homeless day shelter in Frederick, Md., and volunteering for the GUEST program and at the Visitor’s Center in Gloucester, Va. He spent many years as a classroom assistant and substitute teacher in various SDA elementary schools.
David’s faith was important to him. As a member of the SDA Church, he worked earnestly for his church and served in many capacities.
Visitation will be from 3-4 p.m. on Nov. 17, with a service at 4 o’clock in Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester.