A young man barely out of high school found himself
employed by the local funeral home in Henry county.
This would be the start of his lifelong career in the
service of others. Ronnie Stewart was that man. He found
his greatest strength in the compassion that came so
easily to him. His experience with the funeral home led
to a commitment to help others in their hour of grief.
Ronnie would go on to serve his community for the rest of
his life.

When asked, Ronnie took on the role of Battalion Chief
for the county Fire Department. Ronnie taught EMS classes
and served as EMS director when they needed someone to
step in to fill a void. It was during one of these classes
that an event occured that would change his life forever.

Ronnie left to answer an emergency call and was struck by a
passing car. Ronnie was paralyzed from the waist down. This
tragic event would have ended the career of a lesser person.
Ronnie was back at work as Coroner six months later.

Through it all, his loving wife Jackie stood by his side and
marveled at his strength. His community and it’s leaders were
equally impressed. Those that knew Ronnie wouldn’t have
expected any less of him. Ronnie was a man of amazing strength
and determination. He had not yet helped everyone he could.
He knew that he had to get out there and continue his work.

He would humbly say that it was the voters of his county that kept
him working. He was a gentle giant that people loved. They speak
of Ronnie to this day as their big brother, their father figure.
The voters knew a genuine caring person when they saw it and
continued to reelect Ronnie for 35 years.

Ronnie once said; “I get a great deal of satisfacion when I can
make things a little easier for a bereaved family”.
His ability to do just that with little effort is what drew
people to him.

Serving as the Georgia Coroners Association Secretary and
Treasurer for several years was his pleasure. He held a deep
fondness for the GCA and believed in it’s mission. He believed
in America. He was known to get choked up by the American flag.
He was the type of man that wasn’t afraid to show emotion.
Whether it was at a game of his beloved Falcons or watching
a television show with Jackie. He felt everything deeply.

As Ronnie’s health declined he prepared his final days and
planned his funeral as well. His idea was to be driven to
his final resting place in the back of the antique fire
truck that he had been instrumental in restoring.
As his convoy traveled through the town square, they drove
it’s streets in reverse. Just as Ronnie would have wanted.

It is a great honor for the Georgia Coroners Association to
name this tribute page in dedication of Ronnie Stewart.
His contributions to his community and the GCA will be
remembered throughout history. We are honored to have known him.

He was our friend. He was our brother. He will always be missed.
May we all remember his lessons and strive to continue his gentle work.

Annie Thomas-Burke 2006

This tribute is the property of Georgia Coroners Association © 2006.

This tribute is shown as an example of a Two page tribute.
written by Scribe Services Owner, Annie Thomas-Burke for
The Georgia Coroners Association