Richard L. Stewart

Richard Lonnie Stewart, 83, of Cayce, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 25th, 2026 surrounded by his wife and children.

Richard was born on April 20th, 1943 to Lonnie and Margaret Stewart in Lincolnton, North Carolina. After Richard graduated from Cherryville High School in 1961, he went on to study engineering at the University of South Carolina.

High school sweethearts, Richard and Brenda met during their freshman year at Cherryville High School. The two went on to be married and have two children, their son Jim and their daughter Kim. The happy couple devoted more than 60 years to each other, creating a welcoming home and a lifetime of enduring memories together.

After graduating with a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Engineering, he started his first job at the South Carolina Department of Transportation as a Research and Materials Engineer, kickstarting a fulfilling 35-year career. Career highlights include being invited by the People’s Republic of China to a seminar in Beijing to give a series of lectures on SCDOT accreditations.

In 2002, Richard retired and spent his time golfing, reading, working in the yard, relaxing at the beach and spending time with friends and family.

Richard is survived by his wife Brenda as well as his son Jim (wife Ellen and son Harrison) and daughter Kim. He is also survived by his sister Rita in Belmont, North Carolina. He also leaves behind various nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends. Richard will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, indulgent grandfather, and loyal friend.

A visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Home, Lexington location, on Friday, August 28th from 5-7pm. The funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Alexander H. Twedt and held at Transfiguration Lutheran Church in Cayce on Saturday, August 29th at 2pm. An entombment will be held at Woodridge Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Lutheran Men in Mission of Transfiguration Lutheran Church. The family would also like to express gratitude to Three Oaks Hospice, Right at Home, and McLeod Home Care. The family also wishes to thank Daniel Moore and staff at Thompson Funeral Home as well as Tonya Brazier and the staff at Woodridge Memorial Park. Finally, a special thank you to Richard’s wonderful caregivers JoAnn Lamb, Yacqueline Martinez, Tiffany Harrison, Stephanie Means, and Edneshia Jones, for providing such gentle and dignified care in Richard’s final years.