Dr. William C. Stewart's Obituary
Dr. William C. Stewart, 87, passed away Sunday, February 12 at his home after a
long illness. Born on a farm in Heiberger, Alabama, he spent his childhood
helping out with the farm chores and hunting. Heiberger always held a special
place in his heart and he remained a “farm boy” at heart. He graduated from
Perry Co. High School where he enjoyed playing many sports.
He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University and his MS
degree from Iowa State University. He was employed by the USDA after
graduating from Auburn. He worked for 2 years in Alabama serving in brucellosis
and tuberculosis eradication, followed by 2 years of hog cholera research at the
USDA’s Hog Cholera Research Station in Live Oak, FL. He then served 19 years
at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Most of this time
was spent in the Diagnostics Virology Laboratory specializing in diagnosis of viral
diseases in swine and cattle. The last 3 years in Ames, Dr. Stewart was Chief of
the Biologics Virology Laboratory where all testing of viral biologics for large and
small animals and poultry was performed. During this time both hog cholera and
brucellosis in cattle were eradicated in the U.S. He spent his last 10 years with
the USDA as Chief Veterinarian of Animal Care Staff in Hyattsville, Maryland,
where he primarily was responsible for implementation of the Animal Welfare and
Horse Protection Programs.
Dr. Stewart was an enthusiastic traveler, visiting many countries in the course of
his work with the USDA, and with his traveling partner, his wife of 60 years. Dr.
Stewart was also an avid volunteer all his life and served the public in many ways
including volunteering at Russell Hospital where he was the first male to
volunteer at the hospital auxiliary. He also volunteered with VCCA for 20 years,
providing free tax service to individuals. He was proud to volunteer at the
Recycle Center, which provided thousands of dollars to the community. He also
served in many positions in the various churches he attended throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by son William Bradley Stewart, brother Charles
Jefferson Stewart, parents Foy and Ruth (Avery) Stewart. He is survived by his
wife of 60 years Linda (Carre) Stewart, daughter Jeannie (VIctor) Pellicier, son
Clark Robert Stewart, sister Anne (Steve) Crawford, grandchildren Maria
Pellicier, William Pellicier, Caroline Pellicier and Samantha Stewart, and several
nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Heiberger Methodist Church, c/o
Greg Cochran, 814 Ironville Rd. Marion, Alabama 36756; East Alabama Food
Bank or any Veterans organizations.
Dr. Stewart’s memorial service will be held at Radney Funeral Home in Alexander
City on Friday, February 17. Visitation with the family will be held from 1-2 pm
with the service at 2 pm.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
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