William Benny “Billy” Stewart, 84, of Lanexa, VA, passed away on September 10th, 2022, after a brief illness. Billy was born on May 13th, 1938, to William Henry and Jennie Newsome Stewart of Lanexa, VA. When he was 17, his father passed suddenly, and Billy quit high school to help support his family. He never stopped. Among other jobs, he was a farm hand, and a superintendent for the Virginia Department of Transportation, before getting a job at the Anheuser Busch Brewery in Williamsburg, VA the year that it opened in 1972. In 1963, he married his first love, Betty Lou Otey of Lanexa, VA. They would go on to have two children, Scott and Lisa. They were married for 56 years, until Betty’s passing in 2019. Billy was an avid hunter for many years (especially turkeys) and won numerous competitions for his trophies. He was a member of several hunt clubs during his life and had fun with them all but was most fond of hunting with his big brother, Richard. In 1996, Billy would retire early from his job at the brewery to spend more time with his 2nd and 3rd loves: farming and complaining about the price of fertilizer. He ran his small farm his way for 26 years with the help of his wife, kids, son-in-law Jamie, and his business partner, Isaiah Frazier, whom he loved as a brother. The family also wants to recognize our Aunt Judy (Morgan), who played such a special role in keeping Billy independent and doing what he loved even after he lost a step or two (although, he will claim he never lost one). Billy was predeceased by his wife, Betty Lou. He is survived by his children, Scott Stewart and Lisa Burcham (Jamie); his two grandchildren, Hunter and Kara Burcham; and three tractors (two John Deeres and a Farmall 140).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the James City-Bruton Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad in Toano. A Celebration of Billy’s Life will be held at 6:00 PM, Friday, September 16, 2022, at the Providence Forge Chapel of the Vincent Funeral Home 9923 Pocahontas Trail Providence Forge, VA. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00pm prior to the service.
