Ernest Stacey Stewart Jr.

Ernest Stacy Stewart, Jr. was born on January 23, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland. He slipped into eternity early on Sunday morning, October 30, 2011, at Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore. Ernest, affectionately known as “Junior”, was the fourth of five children of Iola M. Shelton Stewart (“Granny”) and Ernest Stacy Stewart, Sr. In his youth, Ernest and his siblings attended Sunday School and church at Whitestone Baptist Church near their home. Ernest graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1959. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and served his country for four years, 1960 to 1964. His highest earned rank was Airman 2nd Class. He described his military training as “Photo Recon, Airman of the Month (twice), Squad Leader, and Guideon Bearer”. During his military tour of duty he was stationed at the Yokota Air Force Base in Japan with the 67th Recon Tech Squadron under the 3rd Bomb Wing. At the Stead Air Force Base in Nevada his squadron assisted the first group of NASA astronauts with many training missions in preparation for man’s first walk on the moon. While in the Air Force, Ernest served as an aerial photographer. This training spurred his love of pictures. Immediately after being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Ernest returned to Baltimore and began working at Sparrows Point with his father and uncles, Marquis and Wilfred. Shortly after, he started his career at the main U.S. Post Office in downtown Baltimore. He had a long and fulfilling career as a mail handler for 33 years (total 37 with the federal government), and retired in January 2000. Ernest was highly informed, and kept up with local, national and world news. He was an avid sports fan. His favorite team was the Baltimore Ravens. On football Sundays, he would call his daughter Stacie in North Carolina before the 1:00pm kickoff just to say hello. She knew that it was his way of saying, “I’ll be watching football-do not call me”. However, during the game, he would be on the phone tracking the play-by-play with his son Ernest III and nephews Delano (“Doe”) and Kelvin (“Cubby”). He also loved to play cards, especially Pinochle, to take bus trips to Atlantic City, and to talk with and visit family and friends. In recent years, he became an expert and frequent “texter” on his telephone- to the surprise of many. Ernest was particularly known for his unique sense of humor. For the fun of it, he loved to practice hyperbole- that is, to exaggerate. His smile, chuckle and tone of voice would instantly give him away. Every year on his birthday, for over 30 years, he claimed, “I just turned 39!” After his waistline changed from his youthful days, he would always exclaim, “It’s the Shirt!” and beam that smile or burst into laughter. Ernest was a man who truly loved others. He was a devoted and supportive son to his late mother and father. On a daily basis, he stayed in contact with the children, sisters, nephews and nieces. He cherished the friendship of his cousins, and was like a brother to cousins Wilfred Shelton, Jr. (“WF”) and Melvin Austin. He gladly chauffeured his cousin Maxine Jackson, nephew Kendall Smith and others whenever they needed him. He also enjoyed barbequing at family outings in the park. As Ernest’s health began to fail, he was blessed with the tremendous support of family and loved ones. His companion Wilma Gardner, son Ernest III, nephew “Doe,” and lifelong friends Leon “Nine” Coley and Alfred “Alphonso” Moore took him to medical appointments whenever necessary. Recently, they would hold him up and carry him into the doctor’s office or hospital. When Ernest decided to begin a fitness regimen at home, his nephew “Cubby” helped him to assemble a treadmill and stationary bike there. To celebrate his life, Ernest leaves his best friend and devoted long-time companion, Wilma Gardner; Daughters Stacie D. Stewart of Halifax, N.C. and Ernestine Stacey Stewart of Roxboro, N.C.; son Ernest Stacey Stewart III of Baltimore; and sisters Delores Smith and Marlene Jackson (Ralph) of Baltimore. His brothers Hubert and Arthur preceded him in death. He also leaves to cherish him memory his nephews Delano Jackson (Sandra), Kelvin Smith Sr., Kendall Smith and Karlin Smith Sr.; nieces Deondra Jackson and Delisa Jackson; aunt Betty M. Shelton of Glen Burnie, MD., and a host of loving grandnieces, grandnephews, dear cousins and true friends.

Tributes

Ernest Stacey Stewart Jr.

January 23, 1941 - October 30, 2011