George Stewart was born on March 21, 1941 in Columbus, OH to parents Rose Stewart Clark and George Stewart Sr. He was baptized at an early age at Mt. Herman Baptist Church by the late Pastor Shelly Doughty. He graduated from East High School where he ran track and was assistant to the school photographer. He married his high school sweetheart Richardine Bryant in 1964 and they had 3 children, eventually settling into a cozy green house in the neighborhood of Linden.
A man of many talents, George dabbled in a little of everything. He continued to pursue his love of photography, especially portraits and nature. In fact, he turned the upstairs attic of the family home into his own personal photo studio complete with lighting and backdrops, and the basement into a darkroom where, long before the age of digital photography, he developed all of his photos himself by hand. He was also an avid birdwatcher and could often, in his later years, be found on his front porch watching and photographing the various birds that would frequent the birdfeeders he set up on his front lawn in just the right spot. George’s affection for animals didn’t stop at birds. He filled the jumbo aquariums in his living room with all manner of gorgeous tropical fish and loved the various family dogs his children acquired over the years; the wrinkled Chinese Shar-Pei emerging as his most favorite breed. He also had an affinity for horses, an interest he would pass down to his daughter Dana. A devout Buckeye football fan, he could regularly be found passionately coaching each game from the living room couch as he watched with his family. A snazzy dresser who fancied a great pair of shoes, he also was well known for his extensive wardrobe of Buckeye shirts and jackets as well as a plethora of stylish baseball caps all repping the scarlet and grey! He inherited his father’s penchant for collecting and accumulated countless nick-naks, trinkets and artifacts including antique coins, model trains and many old records. He especially loved r&b music and would often adopt his DJ persona of “Little Ceaser” as he proudly played DJ from the attic, doing intros to each of the songs via microphone plugged into the sound system as he shared his favorite selections of soul, r&b and gospel. He loved cooking- with chili and spaghetti being his signature dishes and was a coffee connoisseur, never starting the morning without a cup of joe containing his special formula of 2 creams … 2 sugars! George religiously watched cable news, making a point to stay informed of the political happenings of the day, but he also loved to laugh, and you could often find him bingeing old school comedy shows or laughing heartily at episodes of cartoons such as the Simpsons, Family Guy or, his favorite, Bob’s Burgers.
George achieved much in his lifetime, eventually retiring from the City of Columbus Department of Sanitation, then from Columbus Public Schools. In addition to being a Professional Photographer, he did construction for several years, was a Movie Projectionist, Restaurant Owner, Real Estate Agent, and was even a onetime aspiring mortician until one day, as legend has it, a “client” surprisingly sat straight up. He received an Honorary Degree from National College where his company Stewart Building Services did custodial service for several years. Stewart Building Services was also contracted at Columbus Bilingual Academy North, a place very close to George’s heart, where he was adored by staff and students who all lovingly referred to him as “Mr. G.”
After a prolonged battle with cancer, George was finally called to his heavenly home on March 10, 2024, shortly before his birthday.
George is preceded in death by his grandparents, Evans and Lena Hollimon; his mother, Rose Stewart Clark; father, George Stewart; his brother, Vernon Stewart; sister-in-law, Edmonia Brown; brothers in law, Paul Brown and George (John) Cook; nephews, Jovon Golden and Jay Nichols.
George leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Richardine Stewart; his daughter. Dana Stewart; sons, Daryl Stewart and Derek Stewart; his sister, Velvalene Thompson; sisters-in- law, Geraldine Cook and Rubena Womack; brother-in-law, Van Wolmack and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who all loved him dearly.
Visitation 5:00 PM – 6:00pm Wednesday March 20, 2024 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERLA HOME, THE CHAPEL OFPEACE NORTH 2500 Cleveland Ave.; Memorial Service 11:00 AM Thursday, March 21, 2024 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH. To order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Stewart Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com
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I am so sorry for your loss, I’m sending prayers to the family and friends of George. No more pain, no more suffering.
My condolences to the family. I just found out today that my old friend has passed away. I worked with little George at the city he was my ground man up until he retired. Sitting here thinking about all the fun we had on that garbage truck. We had a saying. What happened on the truck seats on the truck. Rest in peace my old friend
My most sincere and heartfelt words of condolence for the departure of Mr. George to the house of the Lord. I worked with Mr. George at the school Columbus Bilingual Academy and from the first moment we met, we had a beautiful connection. despite my broken English, we used to have long conversations and whenever I needed his help in the classroom, he was present and commanded respect from the students. There are many wonderful moments shared with Mr. George during these 5 years. I will always remember him for his kindness, responsibility, humility, and love towards his family and his students. Mr. George… rest in peace!