Mathew Ray Stewart
January 19, 1939 ~ January 5, 2021
Mathew Ray Stewart, Sr., 81, of Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Primrose Retirement Community.
He was born January 19, 1939, in Cove City, North Carolina, the son of the late Doc Stewart, Sr. and Leona Elizabeth (Herring) Stewart.
He was a 1958 graduate of Farm Life High School, received his Bachelor of Science and Education, Physical Education degree in 1972 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and received his Masters of Science in Education, Secondary School Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas in 1973.
Ray was united in marriage on March 19, 1966, at Seymour
Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC, to Judith Kay Erckman who survives.
He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1961-1969.
Ray began his career by working part-time for the Early Childhood Education Center in Little Rock, AR, from 1970-1973. Ray spent the majority of his career in education at the Arkansas School for the Blind (ASB)in Little Rock, AR, from 1973-1998. There, he was the physical education teacher and later became the Home Life Director. He was most known for his role as Coach. Ray coached the school’s track and field, beep baseball, and wrestling teams. He was more than an educator and coach to hundreds of youth over the years at ASB, the community, and church sports programs. Coach Ray Stewart was loved by all, and he loved all he met.
After he retired from education, he drove part-time for Arrow Coach Lines in Little Rock as a motor coach driver from 1999-2011. He loved touring the country with his beloved wife Judith as the tour director. Together, they enjoyed the adventures with all those who traveled with them.
He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock for over 45 years and attended Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson. He was a member of the Tree House Condominiums Board in Branson and was a member of the Kiwanis.
Ray enjoyed watching his children play sports and eventually watch his children coach sports. In his later years, he loved attending his grandchildren’s events. Ray enjoyed genealogy, Facebook, and especially, enjoying life with his wife, Judith, whom he loved dearly.
Survivors include his wife, Judith Stewart, Jefferson City; three children, Clayton (Kayla) Stewart, Russellville; Mathew (Angie) Stewart, Fayetteville, AR; Teresa (Cecil) Harrell, Kingston, NC; eleven grandchildren, Jonathan (Kellie) Harrell, Marco Romero, Julio Romero, Meredith Stewart, Seth Flud, Kayson Flud, Brekken Stewart, Mason Stewart, Josie Stewart, Hallee Stewart, Corianna Stewart; great-grandchildren, twins Brayson and Braxton Romero; two siblings, Harry “Pete” Stewart, Haughton, LA; Dixie (Bobby) Stewart, Cove City, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Wanda Alphin; three sisters, Annie Grimsley, Shirley Thomas, Geraldine Muth; and three brothers, Doc Stewart, Jr., Linwood Stewart, and Bob Stewart.
Private family graveside service, officiated by Pastor Don Rooks, and military honors will be held Monday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.
An open fellowship time will be held Saturday, January 16, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR, from noon to 2:00 pm.
Memorials are suggested to the Arkansas School for the Blind, Little Rock, Arkansas, to be used in the form of a scholarship.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home in Jefferson City is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
He was born January 19, 1939, in Cove City, North Carolina, the son of the late Doc Stewart, Sr. and Leona Elizabeth (Herring) Stewart.
He was a 1958 graduate of Farm Life High School, received his Bachelor of Science and Education, Physical Education degree in 1972 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and received his Masters of Science in Education, Secondary School Counseling from the University of Central Arkansas in 1973.
Ray was united in marriage on March 19, 1966, at Seymour
Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC, to Judith Kay Erckman who survives.
He served his country in the United States Air Force from 1961-1969.
Ray began his career by working part-time for the Early Childhood Education Center in Little Rock, AR, from 1970-1973. Ray spent the majority of his career in education at the Arkansas School for the Blind (ASB)in Little Rock, AR, from 1973-1998. There, he was the physical education teacher and later became the Home Life Director. He was most known for his role as Coach. Ray coached the school’s track and field, beep baseball, and wrestling teams. He was more than an educator and coach to hundreds of youth over the years at ASB, the community, and church sports programs. Coach Ray Stewart was loved by all, and he loved all he met.
After he retired from education, he drove part-time for Arrow Coach Lines in Little Rock as a motor coach driver from 1999-2011. He loved touring the country with his beloved wife Judith as the tour director. Together, they enjoyed the adventures with all those who traveled with them.
He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock for over 45 years and attended Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson. He was a member of the Tree House Condominiums Board in Branson and was a member of the Kiwanis.
Ray enjoyed watching his children play sports and eventually watch his children coach sports. In his later years, he loved attending his grandchildren’s events. Ray enjoyed genealogy, Facebook, and especially, enjoying life with his wife, Judith, whom he loved dearly.
Survivors include his wife, Judith Stewart, Jefferson City; three children, Clayton (Kayla) Stewart, Russellville; Mathew (Angie) Stewart, Fayetteville, AR; Teresa (Cecil) Harrell, Kingston, NC; eleven grandchildren, Jonathan (Kellie) Harrell, Marco Romero, Julio Romero, Meredith Stewart, Seth Flud, Kayson Flud, Brekken Stewart, Mason Stewart, Josie Stewart, Hallee Stewart, Corianna Stewart; great-grandchildren, twins Brayson and Braxton Romero; two siblings, Harry “Pete” Stewart, Haughton, LA; Dixie (Bobby) Stewart, Cove City, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Wanda Alphin; three sisters, Annie Grimsley, Shirley Thomas, Geraldine Muth; and three brothers, Doc Stewart, Jr., Linwood Stewart, and Bob Stewart.
Private family graveside service, officiated by Pastor Don Rooks, and military honors will be held Monday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield.
An open fellowship time will be held Saturday, January 16, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR, from noon to 2:00 pm.
Memorials are suggested to the Arkansas School for the Blind, Little Rock, Arkansas, to be used in the form of a scholarship.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home in Jefferson City is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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My name is Hilma and I work the front desk at Treehouse Condos. I want to say how Ray will be deeply missed by all of us. He was always uplifting and had a beautiful way to share stories of his life. His humor would always make my day. He obviously loved his family and was a man of great integrity. I am so saddened by this and send my condolences to all his family and friends.
Sending prayers and hugs to you guys. We love you!
Heart in memory of Mathew Ray Stewart
Ray was a long time friend of mine. We worked together. Played pool together. I missed him when he moved to Branson. I miss him now. Fred spears
Judith and Ray were my dear friends in Little Rock. Never have known a finer couple. Judith and I co-taught an adult women’s Sunday School class for many years. Ray was always at the ready with advice and a funny story. I miss them. Well done you good and faithful servant.
Clayton, Kayla and family- So very sorry for your loss. Continued prayers and support to you and your family. Hold onto memories. It will give you peace. If there is anything we can do to help you during this time, please let us know. Hugs and prayers to all of you❤️ߙϰߒ•
Love, Dixie & Bobby Stewart, Matt & Cindy Shaffer and Mark & Amy Hodges
Ms Judy, Mat, and Clay thank y’all f or sharing Coach with us, he treated the students at the Arkansas school for the blind like we were his very own children. I will always cherish the memories from all the trips we took to other schools for the blind for track trips. Making his favorite cookies, the practical jokes he help us play on each or whatever he did to help life away from home comfortable. Going to miss you Coach.
Judy(my second mom),Mat and Clay. You are in my prayers and I want to say I love you all and coach will be missed. He treated me like a daughter and I will always remember him calling me Roachie. He was a very important part if my life and how I grew to become a teachet. He inspired me to becone a teacher. I will love him always like a dad. LOVE
Sending love and prayers For the family uncle Ray will be missed
Ray was the player-coach of our Immanuel Baptist softball team throughout the 70’s. We never saw a player hit a ball so hard. When he let out that Umph!, you knew it was gone. He lived his Christian faith. Godspeed my friend.
Uncle Ray you were number one. Will truly miss you. I know you are having an awesome family reunion with Grandmama and all your siblings in heaven. Love you so much. Prayers for All the family for Gods strength and comfort. God Bless
Ray was a great friend of mine. I have known him since 1973 when Dr. Woolly and I hired Ray at the Arkansas School for the Blind as a physical education teacher and a track coach.I worked with him for three years coaching wrestling.Throughout his career he wore many hats at ASB. He worked as a counselor , vocational director, and home life director. Ray was the most giving individual that I have ever known.He always wanted the best for his students and fellow workers. I cherish our friendship for over forty years. Susan and I have enjoyed a special friendship with Ray and Judi since 1987 . We have had so many great times with them ! Now,memories that will last forever! ( Ray always kept us laughing , and we had so much fun!) Mat and Clay, you were lucky to have Ray as your dad! And I feel very fortunate to have had him as a friend for forty-eight years! Sending our love to Judi and all the family . Leonard(Susan) Ogburn
With loving memories of “Ray”. Always “CUZ” Bruce & Becky Carawon
I met coach in the summer of 1985 I came to The Blind school to check it out see if that’s where I wanted to go to school app and I fell in love with him and Miss Judy boat they were sweethearts and he sure will be missed love you coach
Ray and I met at Immanuel Baptist Church in the 1970s. We connected thru the church softball team. He was a great man and taught how to live life to so many young people. He was a good friend.
Judith, I don’t remember not knowing you and Ray! You were both so instrumental in the lives of my children. You were Stacey’s favorite Sunday School teacher of all time and Ray was Blake’s teacher, I believe. Your sons were always so friendly and nice to my sons. I was so sad when Ray’s death was announced on our Zoom Sunday School class meeting this morning. You and Ray are the epitome of what Christianity should be. My love and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. I would love to attend the service at Immanuel but with Covid rampant here we just must stay home at our age. Love, Chloye Bailey Pogue
There’s so many that I have like the time we used to go on the hayrides to the farm. Or the time when we would go to the fair I miss your Steward Chattahoochee all the way there he was a big Alan Jackson fan I can tell you that. All the time he used to let me spin the weekend on the campus I used to stay at their house when I lived on campus he did that to protect me from my stepmom and step dad because I told him what was going on at home and he told me that he would take care of it and he did so for the weekends instead of going home I stayed with Mr Stewart Ms Judy we went to a lot of games they were fun we also went to a lot of wrestling meets out of state I always remember Mr Stewart is being the more calm gentle person until he got mad and then all that changed I remember one time he got on to me for throwing some toys or something at a house parent hey come over there and spank my butt and told me to sit down I started laughing so he did it again that time I wasn’t laughing LOL I’ve known Ray Stewart ever since I was 5 years old he was like the dad I never had and missed Judy she was like the mom I never had I had a lot of respect and still do for both of them Miss Judy taught me how to sew I sure did stab my fingers a lot with them dog little needles but I learned a lot in her class A lot of us kids did they were our parents whenever I real parents went around rest in peace Mr Stewart I sure am going to miss him sending prayers for the family you guys hang in there it’s going to be okay love you all you’re adopted little sister Michelle Edwards
There are so many memories with Mr Stewart but one of the greatest memories is that we had signed up to go snow skiing in Colorado and he sent me an e card it was flashing the word snow and had snowflakes and it told me I was getting to go. I was so happy. He took very good care of us at school and I loved him so much❤❤❤❤
Where do I begin to say what my favorite Uncle Ray meant to me. When I was a small child, I remember he used to carry me on his school bus and let me sit on his lap and pretend to drive. A few years later he put me on his lap and let me drive the tractor. I have always respected, loved and admired this man as the father I never had. My memories of his love, kindness and devotion are in my heart and I will always cherish that I was part of his life and family. We spoke every other month or so about life, upcoming visits, and his family. His love of his wife Judy, sons Mat, Clay and daughters Teresa and Wanda were beyond words. One of the many things that we shared was devotion and love for his mother, my grandmother Leona E. Stewart. She was my everything and he knew I would always make sure that she was respected and loved when he was away. The loss of Uncle Ray hit me as hard as losing grandma. So as we celebrate his life may we always remember that living today and loving today should never be taken lightly. Never let the day go by without telling those you LOVE just that. My last talk with Uncle Ray was Dec. 28. It was my birthday. His last words to me were I love you baby and mine were I love you more than words can say.
Judy, Matt, Clay & family my prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. Mr. Stewart was officially “the one” in whom brought me to the next chapter in my life working with an awesome community of students who showed & taught me more about their abilities than their disability. Mr. Stewart hired me as the recreation director & was a great mentor & boss. My time at ASB is one of my most treasured & it was there where my understanding of what O&M was became my future goal! Thanks for taking a chance on a girl who had no experience working with the visually impaired, because of you I found my true calling & my life has been changed! Love to the Stewart family & to the ASB family too
Mike loved playing softball on Ray’s team after we got married. Then we enjoyed visiting with them every week at church because they sat right behind us, always with big smiles on their faces. You could see the love they had for each other and the church. We’re praying for you all
My first memories of Daddy Ray are always synonymous with Immanuel and Softball whether it be the men’s team he played on or the women’s team he coached. I would always ask/volunteer to be “bat girl” at the women’s games so I could sit in the dug out as he coached my sister Christa and all those legendary ladies who played in the 1990s. He always had a kind word and a big hug for everyone that knew him. The love he and Judy had for each other and for Christ was always evident. He truly had a servant’s heart.
Dear Judith, et al, I have just learned of Ray’s passing. As for me, I considered him to be a gentleman and a scholar. I am asking The Holy Spirit to pour his peace and contentment, comfort and joy, down over you and yours, like warm honey. Sending air hugs and kisses. Blessings. Libbie Dougan