Marvin Campbell Stewart

marvin stewart

April 30, 1935 ~ February 2, 2023

Born in: Clinton, SC
Resided in: Asheville, NC

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” Proverbs 3;5-6.

In the early evening of February 2, 2023, Marvin Campbell Stewart, age 87, husband of Margie Hudson Stewart entered the church triumphant surrounded by those whom he held dear to his heart. After a 28-year battle with cancer, Marvin has been healed in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

Marvin was the eldest son of Marvin Cunningham and Vallie Campbell Stewart of Clinton, SC. In the summer of 1953, Marvin met the love of his life, Margie Ann Hudson. He was immediately captured by her beautiful smile and sweet nature. Margie was impressed with his kindness and good looks. In no time at all, they knew that God had placed them together. They were married on June 23 of 1957, and together they raised two children, Valerie and John. During their 65 year marriage, friends and family have often commented on how their love for each other was an example to all.

Marvin started his first job as a paper boy and often recalled selling papers on the train to passengers from all over who made their way through Clinton in the 1940s. Thus began a love for trains that led to a job as a telegraph operator with the Seaboard Railroad after high school. During high school, Marvin worked as a meat cutter at James Wilson’s grocery store in Clinton, and later would spend many years as a market manager with Colonial Stores in Spartanburg and later in Asheville. He spent most of his career as a sales rep for Greenwood Packing Company selling Carolina Pride Meat products to Ingles stores and restaurants throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia receiving many top sales awards.

At age 50, a love for precision woodworking and tool making led Marvin to pursue a degree from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Institute as a machinist and tool and die maker working for 7 years at Skyland Tool and Mold until his cancer diagnosis at age 59. The prognosis looked grim, but his faith in his Heavenly Father never wavered and he survived a terminal illness for 28 years.

Marvin’s greatest joy was his family lovingly known by his grandchildren as GranDink. He loved fishing and spending time with his grandkids, camping at Shining Rock wilderness area with his son and nephews, cooking huge barbecues in his custom designed homemade barbecue grill, making homemade fishing lures, and traveling to National Parks, railroad museums, and revolutionary war historical sites.

Marvin served his country as a citizen/Soldier with the South Carolina and North Carolina National Guard and was called to high alert duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He loved his country with a Patriot’s heart. He was a member and range officer of the Asheville Rifle and Pistol Club and the West Asheville Civitans.

Marvin loved his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and his church with all of his heart. He had a servant’s heart and a love for others and his life was a portrait of devotion to God and his family.

Even as illness gripped his body and mind, he continued to worship his Lord and sing the gospel hymns he cherished so much, even mouthing the words of those beloved hymns within the hour of his death. What a joyful, Heavenly homecoming there was as Jesus welcomed him home. His family rejoices for a life well lived and the example of God’s love that Marvin freely shared with all that knew and loved him. He was a Deacon, a ruling Elder, Clerk of the Session, and Adult Sunday School Teacher of the West Asheville Presbyterian Church where he was a member for over 60 years. He also was a member of the West Asheville Men’s Prayer Breakfast.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margie, of the home; his daughter, Valerie Stewart Jones (Les), of Laurens, SC; son, John Marvin Stewart (Traci), of Alexander, NC; his grandchildren, Stewart Jones (Kelly), of Laurens, SC, Emilie Jones (Natalie), of Brooklyn, NY, Elliott Jones (Shelby), of Asheville, Mary Elise Jones (Bill), of New York, NY, Katie Green (Jake) and Andrew Stewart (Haley), of Alexander; his great-grandchildren, Lillie Ann and Emma Grace Jones, of Laurens, SC, Emma Leona Jason and Daxton Campbell Jones, of Asheville; his two brothers, Don Stewart (Myra) of Cross Hill, SC and Thornton Stewart (Joanne), of Flat Rock, NC; sisters-in-law, Lola Morris, of Garden City, SC, and Harriet Walker, of Stone Mountain, GA.

Services will be held at Groce Funeral Home Chapel, 1401 Patton Avenue in Asheville, NC on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. The family will host visitation one hour prior in the chapel. A graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Candler following the services. The Revs. Herb Coddington, Kellen Griffin, Billy Clark, and John Honeycutt and Chaplain Christian Detisch will officiate. Pallbearers for Marvin’s service will be Stewart Jones, Elliott Jones, Andrew Stewart, Jake Green, Matt Stewart and Todd Stewart.

Flowers are appreciated and memorials may be sent to Thornwell Home for Children, 302 Broad St, Clinton, SC 29325.

The family wishes to give special thanks to those who have supported us through this difficult time; Brandon Jochum, Sara Reinke, Christian Detisch, and Laura from Four Seasons Hospice for their loving care and support; Diane Hutchinson, Diane Lawrence, Teresa Penland and Shelby Jason for their wonderful love and support as they have cared for the entire family over the past months; Dr. Mike Messino and the Messino Cancer Center thank you for your dedication to Marvin’s cancer journey for so many years. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Services

Visitation: February 6, 2023 11:00 am - November 3, 2024 12:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Funeral Service: February 6, 2023 12:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Burial: February 6, 2023 1:15 pm

Forest Lawn Memorial Park
1498 Sand Hill Road
Candler, NC 28715

(828)667-8715

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  1. What an amazing person, and an incredible loss. Our hearts are breaking with you and for you. Sending lots of love and prayers your way.

  2. So sorry to hear of Marvin’s passing. He will be missed I am sure by many. Margie you and the rest of the family are in our prayers.

  3. We have always, and will continue, to think of Marvin as one of the kindest men on earth. Our sympathies to Margie, his children, grandchildren and great children. May you find peace and comfort in your memories of Marvin and in the love and support of others who have you in their hearts and are keeping you in prayer.
    Bruce and Jackie Riebel

  4. Valerie, I am so very sorry to hear about your daddy. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time . If there is anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Love and hugs to all🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

  5. Margie and Family,

    I was deeply saddened today when I heard of Marvin’s passing. He always had a kind word and showed sincere interest in what was happening in my life each and every time I saw him, whether at church or in the grocery or hardware store. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. May God Bless Marvin and all of the Stewart Family.

  6. john , traci and family~so sad to see marvins passing. my goodness what a life well lived. this tribute written about his life was just a glimpse into his life that was certainly lived to it’s fullest. so many things about him that I didnt even know but it sure sheds light on his servants heart that he had each and every time i say him. may wonderful memories of him be a comfort in the coming days and week.

  7. From the moment I met Grand Dink and Grand Margie over 15 years ago, they always made me feel like own of their own grandchildren. It is such a privilege to have known Marvin Stewart and be a part of his family. One of the best I have ever known. Stewart, Lillie, Emma, and I will all miss him and cherish our sweet memories with our Grand Dink.
    Dink, as always, thank you for not feeding Stewart to the bear. ❤️ love you all.

  8. My Heart and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Stewart. I have fond memories of being at the Stewart’s house growing up watching the Wizard of OZ. I have always respected Mr. Stewart for being such a good honest person to look up to. He has installed this trait in his family as well.

  9. Very sorry for your loss. I know he was an awesome “grand-dink,” and I know the loss is tough for everyone. Praying for you all.

  10. Dear Margie, Valerie, John and Traci — We always enjoyed being with Marvin at your family events. He was always fun to talk with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  11. We are so sorry for the loss that you are experiencing! We are praying for you all. What an amazing legacy that he has passed down to his family!

  12. We are sorry to hear about Marvin passing. He was so special. We know he will be missed. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

  13. I only knew Marvin through ARPC, but recognized immediately that he was a good, kind, god fearing man and friend. I always enjoyed our conversations, his encouraging words and uplifting spirt. Your family and friends will always miss you, but are also comforted to know you are now being rewarded for being a good and faithful servant to our Lord and Savior.
    So for now, Farewell My Friend, until we meet again; may God forever hold you in the hollow of his hand.


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