Funeral service to celebrate the life of Ricky Stewart, age 69 of Sulphur Springs, Texas will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 25, 2021, in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, with Adam Stewart officiating and Dale Owens assisting. Space will be available for social distancing. There will be no formal visitation. The service will be available for viewing live at https.//ssfbcevents.online.church. Mr. Stewart passed away on September 21, 2021 at Mother Frances – Tyler.
On September 2, 1952, Willis and Susie Stewart gave life to their youngest of four children, Richard Lee Stewart. They raised their family on the farm in Ridgeway, Texas, before moving into town on Highway 11. Rick graduated from Sulphur Springs High School and served in the United States National Guard. Rick became a father of Adam and Blake Stewart. On November 22, 1985, Rick married the love of his life, Rebecca Diann Stewart at Gafford’s Chapel. At that same time, he became the father of Denise (14), Brandi (9) and Josh (3).
Rick worked for Beall’s Department Store, Texas Utilities Thermo and Excel Transportation, before retiring in 2015. He worked hard and enjoyed a life full of activity and adventure. Throughout his life, Rick was passionate about many things — cars, drag racing, skiing, tennis, music, history, but none more than his role as husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a deep well of information and would be everyone’s first choice for the trivia team. Rick was the one to call if you couldn’t remember the name of the lead singer of a band, your car was making a weird noise, you wanted to discuss who killed JFK (or see the grassy knoll over and over — Chevy Chase style), or you were curious as to how a compass works. Rick made instant friends everywhere he went and was always eager to lend a hand to a neighbor or stranger. He was a great man and a great friend.
Rick witnessed God’s mercy many times in his lifetime. He survived a serious motorcycle accident in his 20s that left him hospitalized for months. Many times, God placed Rick in several life and death situations, wherein, Rick was able to render life-saving aid, none more important to him that when he saved the life of his son, Blake, after drowning. God used Rick in each incident to prepare him and his faith for a 22-year battle against cancer. He won his battle many times over but, was still tasked with periodic doctor’s visits to prove his healing. Rick faithfully shared with everyone how God had saved and sustained him throughout his life, and he never faltered in giving God all the glory for his healing.
Rick was proceeded in death by his parents; his sister, Sandra Parker; and his brother, Dwight Stewart. Rick is survived by his wife, Rebecca; brother, Ronnie Stewart; and children: Denise Hurley and husband Tommy, Adam Stewart and wife Shea, Brandi Guerra and husband Alex; Blake Stewart; and Josh Bryson and wife Lindsey. Rick and Rebecca had 12 grandchildren, Macy Hurley, Bo Hurley, Emily Hurley, Salem Stewart, Baylor Stewart, Kaleb Stewart, Cason Stewart, Xavier Guerra, Eliana Guerra, Scarlett Bryson, Bear Bryson, and Blaze Bryson.
Rick will be remembered by many for the good times we had with him, the love he gave us and his famous salsa he shared at any opportunity. The family thanks you for the overwhelming support you have graciously given and the prayers you have poured out over them during this time. They also hope you will treasure and share your memories of Rick, especially when you enjoy his salsa, which always tastes best when gathered with friends and family.
In leu of flowers, Rick would be most honored by a donation to the Hopkins County Veteran’s Memorial, HCVM, PO Box 533, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483.
Arrangements under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.
The online register can be signed at www.murrayorwosky.com
