In Memoriam: Bill Stewart

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bill Stewart, a Past-President of MAAR and the current President of the MAAR Benevolent Fund Board of Trustees. Bill’s leadership extended far beyond our walls, with distinguished service at the local, state, and national levels of the REALTOR^® organization. His passion for giving back was unmatched—he poured his energy into the Benevolent Fund to ensure REALTORS^® and their families had support in times of need. Today, while we grieve this great loss, we also celebrate and remember Bill’s countless contributions to our profession, our members, and our community. Our prayers are with his family, and we will provide service updates as they become available.

 

OBITUARY:

If you ever had the chance to meet Bill Stewart, you loved him. It was impossible not to. Bill had a way of making everyone feel special – often with a sly joke, a dry sense of humor or a nickname you never asked for (but loved). With his sharp wit and unmatched humor, he could bring lightness into any room he walked into.

Bill was born to the late Billy Joe Stewart Sr. (wife Nell “Blondie”) and Mary Nell Benson. Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, carried on by: his daughter, Gabrielle “Tater” Stewart; his sister, Tina “Weiner” Jarrell (Danny); his brother, Sam “Kiddo” Benson (Kim); his nieces and nephews: Zach “1,” Leslie “2,” Ethan “3,” Seth “4,” Chloe “5,” Olivia “6,” Alec, Elise, Jayla, Dillon and Keelan; and his granddaughters, Chloe “Lil Bit” and Nola "Nugget." He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Stewart Sr., and his brother, Daniel Stewart.

A proud Memphian, Bill built a remarkable career as a real estate broker with RE/MAX Experts. He also served on the board of the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR), where he gave generously of his time and knowledge. Aside from being dedicated to his career, he was also a devout supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the MAAR Benevolent Fund; causes that reflected his compassion and complete selflessness.

Beyond his professional life, Bill loved God and The Church. He had a zest for fun and music – he was a dedicated Jimmy Buffett fan, embracing that lively spirit in how he lived and connected with others. Whether it was supporting his friends, joking with family or just spending time with those he loved most, Bill knew how to savor the good times and make sure everyone else did too. He had a generous heart, an infectious laugh and an embrace that could chase any trouble away.

Bill’s family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on Sunday, September 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the MAAR Benevolent Fund.

Though words can hardly describe the depth of loss his departure brings, Bill will be remembered for his humor, his kindness, his deep love for his people, and the way he could make even the smallest moments unforgettable. He was a bright light in this world, and that light will continue to shine through the lives he touched.

In true Bill fashion, we know he’d want us to laugh more than we cry; so raise a glass, tell a story and remember the good times.