Obituary of John William Stewart

John William Stewart, 69, husband of Susan Lambert Stewart, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital. Born on August 21, 1953, in Woodruff, he was a son of the late James C. Stewart and the late Thelma Roberson Stewart. As a student at Clemson University, John was hired in 1975 as a professional firefighter for the university’s fire department. This began a career of public service as a fire fighter and state law enforcement officer that expanded over 45 years. He was employed by the State of South Carolina as a Fire Marshal, and retired in 2008 from the Arson Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). In 2009 John joined the team at Jack Ward Fire Consultants as a fire and explosion investigator. Since this time John has conducted investigations throughout the United States and was held as an expert in the field of fire origin and cause. He held the designation as a Certified Fire Investigator with the North Carolina and South Carolina Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and was a member of the South Carolina Insurance Fraud Investigators Association (SCIFI). He earned a master’s degree in criminal justice and was certified as a fire investigator instructor. Throughout his career he was repeatedly recognized for his exemplary service including the Inspector of the Year award from the State of South Carolina, a Heroism and Community Service award presented by Firehouse Magazine, induction into the South Carolina Firefighters Hall of Fame in 2010, and numerous letters of commendation from SLED. John was a lifetime member with Midway Fire Rescue where he proudly served the Pawleys Island community for 45 years, serving as Volunteer Assistant Chief. He was also an active member of the Georgetown First Assembly of God church. Throughout his life some of his greatest accomplishments were his family. He was a very supportive father, whether coaching or sitting in the audience cheering them on. In 2021 he became a published author with his book, Sanctuary, that was inspired by his life, both his walk with God and his career. John touched many lives as a beloved husband, father, friend, and mentor. He will be missed. Survivors include his wife of Pawleys Island; two sons, John William "Will" Stewart, II (Rachel) of Spartanburg and Stephen Stewart of Pawleys Island; one brother, James C. “Jim” Stewart, II (Nancy) of Spartanburg; four nephews, Matthew Stewart of Washington, DC, Michael Lambert (Renee) of Georgetown, Nicky Lambert of Georgetown and Dwayne Gilbert (Britney) of Brookneal, VA; two nieces, Megan Freehling (Joey) of Spartanburg and Kayla Gilbert of Georgetown; one brother-in-law, Wayne Lambert (Marilynn) of Georgetown; and one sister-in-law, Jatanna Gilbert (Eddie) of Georgetown. He was preceded in death by a nephew, James Ryan Stewart. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Georgetown First Assembly of God. Burial will follow in Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Saturday at Georgetown First Assembly of God. Memorials may be made online to the Lowcountry Firefighter Support Team, https://firefightersupport.org/donate/ Online condolences may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242