Stewart, Raymond Sylvester

Raymond Sylvester Stewart, of Christiansburg, Virginia died on April 1, 2006 at the age of 66. He died in his home surrounded by his family and friends after a lengthy battle with cancer.

“Flea,” a nickname given by a teacher, was born in Montgomery County and grew up in the Belmont community and later became actively involved in community affairs. He is a lifelong resident of Montgomery County. He worked for Higgins Gas and Oil Company from 1957-1981. He continued his work in the petroleum business with CJ and S Petroleum from 1981 until his retirement in 2005. He was a Master Plumber, Electrician, Pipe Fitter and Heating Technician. He was enlisted in the Virginia National Guard from 1960-1966. An avid hunter, gardener, farmer, and camper, he enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was a founding member and later a Director of the Belmont Community Cemetery Corporation Board of Directors.

His parents, Clyde Wade Stewart and Lola Bond Stewart and a brother-in-law, Steven Grubb, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret; a daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Michael Haubner of McCoy; a son and a daughter-in-law, Jon and Tracy Stewart of Christiansburg; a stepdaughter and stepson-in-law, Lori and Joe Furrow of Christiansburg; four sisters and two brothers, Loretta Grubb, Brenda and Maston Simmons, Paulette and Joe Custer, Vicki and David Taylor, George and Mary Stewart and Paul and Donna Stewart; six grandchildren, Andrea and Katie Haubner, Emily and Bethany Stewart and Sarah and Camden Furrow, all of Christiansburg; mother-in-law, Christine Robinson of Christiansburg; brother-in-law, Tom and Linda Robinson of Raleigh, North Carolina; numerous nieces and nephews and special cousins. Mabel Stanger, a special friend and a long time co-worker, Mike and Anna Ballard, special friends, also survive him, as well as numerous special friends and neighbors whom he cherished.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the nurses and other workers at the Carilion Hospice Service for their gentle care.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, April 3, 2006 at 2 p.m. at the Horne Funeral Home Chapel with Clyde George officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, April 2, from 5-8 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Belmont Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Christiansburg Fire Department, 110 Depot St., Christiansburg, VA 24073 or the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 176, Christiansburg, VA 24068.