Rev. Roger Stewman

Roger Dale Stewman, 74, of Sylva, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God that will forever inspire his family, friends, and community.

Born in Jackson County, NC, he was the son of the late Harley Roosevelt and Arley Inez Stewman. Roger's 55-year ministry was a shining example of devotion, as he faithfully served the Lord, touching countless lives through his work at various churches, including Calvary Baptist Church, Speedwell Baptist Church, Wilkesdale Baptist Church, Black Mountain Baptist Church, and Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. His special 'sucker ministry' brought joy to children everywhere, and his bi-annual preaching at Oldtimers Day in Cades Cove was always a highlight. Before retiring in 2000, Roger spent 29 years serving the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

A talented athlete, Roger excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, proudly wearing the jersey of the 1965 and 1966 Sylva-Webster State Champion Football Teams. His passion for sports continued through coaching, as he coached his children in sports and many others throughout the community. His greatest love was watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Roger will be remembered for his exuberant cheering and sometimes heckling of the referees. Through the years Roger raised award-winning beagles, encouraging countless others with his passion for showing beagles all over the southeast. He cherished his beagle dogs and was a devoted beagle hunter, who celebrated the thrill of a good rabbit race. A lifelong camper, Roger enjoyed camping, cherishing time spent with family and friends forged along the way. Campers from North Carolina, Virgina, Alabama and Tennessee found inspiration worshiping around the campfire with Roger. He loved to laugh and make everyone feel good. With his quick wit and playful pranks, Roger brought laughter and joy to everyone around him. He was so loved and gave great love.

 He will be deeply missed, but his love, legacy, and memory will live on through his loving wife of 54 years, Loueva Estes Stewman; two sons, Rusty Stewman and wife, Guindy; and Jason Stewman; one daughter, Cassie Stewart and husband, Jeremy; sister, June Smith and husband, Carol; brother, Nick Stewman; four grandchildren, Hunter Stewart and wife, Sammy; Oliva Stewman, Kaitlyn Stewart, and Kennedy Tate Stewman; and two great-grandchildren, Elijah and Waylon Stewart.

Funeral services will take place at 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Old Savannah Baptist Church, followed by burial at the Estes Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 pm prior to the service at the church, with Reverend Tommy Ashe, Reverend Nathan Silver, and Reverend Eddie Stillwell officiating.

The pallbearers will be James Conner, Dale Broom, Toby Moore, David Bowers, Jeremy Stewart, and Hunter Stewart.

Appalachian Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Stewman family.