Ralph Stewart,75, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida, where the same morning he had undergone heart valve replacement surgery.
Ralph was born in Cairo, Georgia on May 4, 1935 to Cora Lee and Allen Stewart. He grew up in Attapulgus, Georgia. After graduating from Attapulgus High School in 1953, he joined the Navy and was stationed all over the world. After retiring from the Navy in 1973 he settled down in San Diego, California. He moved to Lakeville, Minnesota in 1990. He lived briefly in Webster, Wisconsin before settling down in Lake Placid, Florida.
After retiring from the Navy, Ralph was involved in the automotive industry for years. He started out as a car salesman and was soon managing multiple dealerships. He loved to watch football and car racing. He loved having long discussions with his daughters about various football games. He had a passion for fishing and spending time on his boat. Ralph and his sons would go fishing when they got the chance. Everyone who knew Ralph loved him. He was a very generous person. Ralph lived life on his own terms, and had no regrets.
Ralph was married to his first wife Patricia Underwood Stewart (deceased), for 17 years. Ralph and his wife Molly Stewart have been together for over 40 years. Molly is not only his best friend but also the love of his life. They shared many wonderful adventures together. He will be deeply missed.
Ralph is survived by his adoring wife Molly Stewart, his children Ralph Jr. and Joanne Stewart of Rathdrum, Idaho, Regina and Sumeet Gadi of Murrieta, California, Colleen Stewart of New York, New York and Trevor and Stephanie Stewart of Elko, Minnesota. Ralph was pre-deceased by his father Allen Stewart and his brother Raymond Stewart. Ralph is also survived by his mother Cora Lee Bullock and his brother William Stewart, as well as his only granddaughter Anandita Gadi.
A celebration of Ralph's life will be held at the Chateau Élan, 150 Midway Drive, Sebring, FL at 2:00 pm on February 1, 2011.
"ENTRUSTED INTO OUR CARE"
MacDonald Funeral Home
Lowell J MacDonald
Funeral Director & Owner