Franklin – Thompson Butler "Tom" Stewart, Sr., 65, passed away July 20, 2008 at his residence after a long illness. He was born in Norfolk, one of fifteen children of the late Harold and Amy Rogerson Stewart. Tom was an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoor activist. He was a master electrician at Gwaltney's in Smithfield and a member of True Word Christian Church.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 17 years, Ana Gonzalez-Stewart; eight sons, Thompson B. Stewart, Jr. and Aaron Lee Stewart, both of Franklin, Kenneth Harold Stewart of Savannah, GA, Timothy Lee Stewart and wife, Cindy, of Nashville, NC, Christopher Wayne Stewart and wife, Deborah, of Windsor, Stephen Allen Stewart and wife, Fancy, of Pine Level, NC, Jonathan Gonzalez and wife, Jennifer, of Gary, IN, Christopher Dale Padgett and wife, Melissa, of Naples, FL; five sisters, Sharon Snook of Milton, PA, Barbara Blevins of Great Bridge, Rachel Goodwin, Joyce Biggs, and Donna Stewart, all of Suffolk; two brothers, William Stewart of Chuckatuck and Elmer Stewart of Suffolk; seventeen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted Wednesday at 7 pm at True Word Christian Church with Pastor Chuck Worth officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a favorite charity. Wright Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. www.wrightfuneralhome.org