STEWARD JR, Leon Jefferson

Leon Jefferson Steward JR, 92 of Calhoun, GA, passed away Saturday, September 23, 2023 at AdventHealth Gordon following a brief illness.

Leon was born on August 29, 1931 in Hazleton, PA to the late Leon Jefferson Steward SR and Helen Bahrt Steward. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by: his sister, Betty McConnell; and his bride of 56 years, Nancy Ruth Steward. Leon was a founding member of the Calhoun Arts Center and a member of the Calhoun Y Club. He served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was branch manager at Arkansas Best Freight Lines and retired in 1996. In his later years Leon enjoyed trips with Claudia and Kristin.

Leon is survived by: his daughter, Claudia Stearns; granddaughter, Kristin Stearns; and son-in-law, Fred Stearns.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 3 PM from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Reverend Clifford Free officiating.

The family will receive friends half an hour prior to the service.

You may leave the family online condolences at www. thomasfuneralhomecalhoun. com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Leon Jefferson Steward JR.

SMILE BECAUSE HE LIVED

You can shed tears that he is gone, or you can smile because he lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he is gone, or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn back, or you can do what he would want: Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

— Author Unknown