Alfred Merritt Stewart laid down the working tools of life on October 27, 2026 at home in Prospect, Tennessee.
He was born on January 7, 1940 in Toney, Alabama to Gracie Lucile Compton Stewart and Raymond Mark Stewart. Merritt was an avid hunter, furniture restorer, and auction fan. He loved reading Western novels, especially Louis L’Amour. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1960-1963. He was a retired Electrical and Controls Mechanic, having worked at 3M Corporation for 35 years, where he made lifelong friends. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Bethel Lodge #194 F&AM in 1965. He married Betty Bee in 1969, and welcomed a son, Jimmy in 1973. He lived his whole adult life on the family farm on the banks of the Elk River in Prospect, Tennessee. He also loved his dachshunds Molly and Kelly.
He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Lucile Stewart, brother Joe Mark Stewart, brother Bob Stewart, and grandson Anthony Warren.
Merritt is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Betty Bee Stewart; his son Dr. James Merritt Stewart and wife Stephanie of Prospect, Tennessee; grandsons Harrison N. Creed and wife Brylee of Arkansas City, KS, and Jameson Lee Stewart of Prospect, TN; sister Doris Elder and husband Bobby of Winchester, TN; sister Ginger Stewart of Prospect, TN; sister Joy Shackleford of Pulaski, TN; brother in law Bubba Bee and wife Patsy of Pulaski, TN; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory.
The funeral service will follow at 1:00pm on Monday, November 2, 2026, in the chapel of Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory.
The internment will be in Prospect Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Ardmore High School Pride of the State Line Marching Band, where his grandson Jame marches.
Bennett-May & Pierce is in charge of the arrangements for Alfred Merritt Stewart.
