James (Sonnie) Elliott Stewart

1st SGT James Elliott Stewart (Retired), 82, of Fayetteville, NC died on Monday, September 13, 2021 in Columbus County, NC. James was born to the late Burlin Stewart and Gertrude Mullins Stewart on August 19, 1939 in Kanawha County West Virginia.

1st SGT Stewart devoted his life to his country for more than twenty-eight years. Serving for three years in The United States Marine Corps, he then served 25 years in The Unites States Army as a Military Police Officer as well as an Infantryman. During this time 1st SGT Stewart received the following awards for his Honorable Service, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal 1st OLC, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Parachute Badge, Good Conduct Medal (Navy), Good Conduct Medal 7th Award, Professional Development Ribbon (4), and Legion of Merit.

Mr. Stewart was a devoted husband and loving father. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mazie Stewart; two brothers, Michael Stewart and Frank Stewart; and a sister, Sarah Alice Williams (DeDe)

He is survived by three daughters, Amanda Waggoner (Shawn), of Whiteville, NC, Christy Garner, of Fayetteville, NC, and Jerri Lynn Stewart-Shepard (Chris), of Raleigh, NC; two brothers, John Stewart (Konnie), of Loris, SC, and David Stewart, of Huntsville, AL; a sister, Martha "Cookie" Townsend; two grandchildren, Jeffrey Garner and Dawson Waggoner, as well as many other extended family members and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 2:00 PM at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery located at 8220 Bragg Blvd. Spring Lake, NC 28390. Full Military Honors will be conducted with Chaplain William McCoy officiating.