Jack Stewart

On March 11, 2024, Jackie Earl Stewart of Walcott passed from this life and gained his reward in Heaven. While the loss of this great man is widely, deeply felt he lives on in the memories and hearts of those who knew him best.

Jack was born to loving parents Hoyt and Gillie Stewart, of Walcott on February 6, 1938.

On September 13,1964, Jackie married the love of his life, Lynda Carolyn Wood. God gifted them with three sons, Lanny, Christopher, and Jackie. These children were loved more than they could ever know.

Jack was a Christian and his life made an impact on other people.  A man of many talents, Jack used them to bless other people.

Jack and Carolyn were members at the Walcott Church of Christ. He and Carolyn also reared their boys in the fear and admonition of the Lord, his most proud achievement as a father.

Later in life, he and Carolyn were blessed with 8 grandchildren which brought them joy to no end. Grant (Tiffany) Stewart, Halle (Landon) Brinkley, Joshua Stewart, Jude Stewart, Justus Stewart, Jenna Stewart, Zane (Heidi) Martin, and Shana Martin whom he loved with his whole heart. Jack and Carolyn, or Papaw and Mamaw, impressed on the grandchildren, by example, how important it is to find the one who is in it,” in sickness and in health.”  He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren whether working on projects or watching them participate in sports and school events.

As a cherry on top to an extraordinary life, Jack got to meet his great grandchildren Jack Nelson Stewart and Macey Dawn Brinkley who brought new joy and love into his life.

Jack was well-known for his carpentry skills.  He and his twin brother, Jim, were partners.  Together they built and remodeled many homes in the Paragould area and across the state as well as remodeled many schools, businesses, and church buildings.  He also remodeled and built many buildings and family homes at the Children’s Homes, Inc.  Jack farmed the Wood family land for many years.  He was also famous for his “chigger” farming.  Jack loved to tell stories about all the tricks his chiggers could do.

When Carolyn was diagnosed with dementia, Jack spent every day taking care of her in the best ways he could. He gave up his miscellaneous projects, of which there were many, to keep her safe and look after her every need. After the care finally became too great for him, he went and sat by her bedside every day at the nursing home even when she did not recognize him.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn Stewart; infant daughter, Andrea Kaye Stewart; siblings, Frank Stewart, Bonnie Hyde, Jim Stewart, Sam Stewart, and Bruce Stewart.

His love lives on in his sons, Lanny Stewart (Kim), Chris Stewart (Teri), and Jack Stewart (Jill); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

While these short words cannot scratch the surface of the life that was lived by such a memorable man and the grief feels so encompassing in the moment, we know that the joy in Jack’s life came from the people around him and the hope that he would see Carolyn and his family once again.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 13 at Phillips Funeral Home from 12:00 p.m. until service time at 1:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Harrell Austin officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Jack’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.