Eugene Ross Stewart, 1918- 2000

Eugene Ross Stewart was born December 5, 1918 to William Franklin and Lucy Peden Stewart.  He was the oldest of five children and had two other brothers who served in the US Army.  Gene joined the Army after graduating from Clemson in 1940.  For the next 30 years he was involved with the military in several different capacities.  He was stationed for some time in Hawaii.  Gene was a real train buff and enjoyed serving aboard troop trains in WWII.  He had many teaching assignments during his military service.  His second career was working for the US Government specifically the Farmers Home Administration.

Gene married Ella Dunlap in 1951.  They lived on several different bases during the remainder of his military duty before settling back in Fountain Inn.  Eventually they built a home on the original Stewart Farm in the Harmony community.  They had one son, Ross, who was born in 1953.

Gene and Ella enjoyed an active retirement.  He raised cattle.  They filled their time with Clemson football and basketball, Rotary Club activities and were very active in the Fountain Inn Presbyterian Church.  They also enjoyed going on Cattle Tours throughout the country.

Gene and Ella treasured the three grandchildren born to Ross and his wife, Norma.  He had many adoring nieces and nephews who could always count on him to have an ample supply of Snicker bars in his pocket.  Gene was well known in the community and was always up for a Hardee’s biscuit, a listening ear, or a helping hand.

Gene passed away in May, 2000.  He was interred at Cannon Mausoleum with full military honors.