Dock Aldridge Stewart Sr.

World War II Vet, Fisherman, and ORNL Retiree

Dock Aldridge Stewart Sr., 92, fisherman for life, departed this life on Sept. 5, 2013, surrounded by his family at home. He was born on Oct. 26, 1920, to the late Wesley and Amanda Stewart, in Baldwyn, Miss. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ocie Lee Stewart; elder son, Dock Stewart Jr.; sisters, Margaret Richardson and Desmond Stewart; and brother, Anderson Stewart.

Mr. Stewart (known as “Dock”) came to Oak Ridge in the early 1940s and lived in the hutments. He retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he worked in the plant and equipment division for 36 years. He drove trucks in the Army and was a World War II veteran. Dock spoke enthusiastically of traveling abroad to Scotland, England (where he met and traveled with Joe Louis), Belgium, France, Germany, and Australia. An excellent soldier, he was the recipient of the American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asian Theater of Operations Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Award. Dock’s loving devotion to his family and friends was steadfast, and his faith and trust allowed him to live life to the fullest. Recent health issues increasingly limited his life but not his spirit and good humor. He was an excellent example of compassion, patience, and commitment. He will be missed very much by his family, the Scarboro Community, and those who knew him. “Dock was a Hero.”

Dock’s hobbies included rabbit hunting and fishing. He was an avid fisherman where he fished almost every day, whether or not it was rain, snow, sleet, or sunshine. Dock had his special spot in the Carbide Park, and his friends placed a special sign there entitled, “Doc’s Fishin Hole.” He was very well known for giving fish to individuals in the Scarboro Community.

He is survived by five loving, devoted daughters, Delorise (John) Burum, Betty Stewart, Gwendolyn (Thomas) Moton, Odessa (Dave) Anderson, and Wilma Stewart, all of Oak Ridge; three devoted sons, Douglas Stewart of Alcoa, James Stewart of Louisville, Ky., and William Stewart of Oak Ridge; one devoted adopted son, Willie (Maxine) Davidson of Clinton; one loving and devoted sister, Estella Jones of Youngstown, Ohio; two loving and devoted nieces, Matilda Easley of Buffalo, N.Y., and Cynthia Jones of Youngstown, Ohio; two special nephews, Roger Jones Jr. of Youngstown, Ohio, and Jimmy Easley of Columbus, Ohio; devoted cousin, Eliza Robinson of Oak Ridge; devoted grandchildren, John (Cassandra) Stewart of Virginia Beach, Tonette (Glen) Rogers of Memphis, Kimesha Stewart of Richmond, Ky., and Denise (Sedrick) Davis, Amanda Stewart, Camilla Stewart, Chelsea Stewart, Kelton Stewart, JoAnn (Johnny) Dowdell, all of Oak Ridge; Pastor Dock Stewart III, Shamante (Theo) Hughes of Alabama, Donna (Anthony) Frazier, Cynthia (Kenneth) Morse, Sophia (Marvie) Keith, all of Illinois, Edward Lewis Davidson, of St. Paul, Minn., Roberta and Daphne Bohanon of Atlanta, Ga., Doshinique Stewart, Chastity, Tommy, and Joshua Whitehead all of Knoxville; 42 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great grandchildren. Special and devoted friends include Willie T. and Debra Booker, R.L. Ayers, Fred Guin, Monroe Davis, Bobby Dye, Mary Dixon, Janie Taylor, Chaplain Esther Gant, Charlie Jackson, Diane Wiley, Wynikea Mitchell, Shirley Harris, Mary Elizabeth Booker, Regina Jackson, Mildred Porterfield, James and Curt Booker, and a host of other relatives and friends. The family would like to graciously thank CB Helping Hands Ministry (Shelia Ghosten and Rev. Antonio Thomas), (LPNs – Patrick, Nikki, Tiffany, Stephanie, and Brandy), (Jeanette Finch, RN) (Home Health Aids – Lem, Dianne, Rose, and Judy), and Thompson Cancer Center (Dr. Scaperoth and staff) for top-notch support and assistance.

The funeral was at noon, Saturday, Sept. 14, at Oak Valley Baptist Church with the Rev. Walter Ghosten, officiating, and Rev. Dr. Hardil Thomas, Eulogist.

Burial followed at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens with a full military ceremony. The family received friends from 11 a.m. to noon at the church. Weatherford Mortuary is handling arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.