Bill M. Stewart, age 89, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on November 3, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. He was born on March 28, 1937, in Paducah, Kentucky, and lived a life marked by kindness, courage, and a genuine interest in the people and world around him.
Bill devoted many years of service to his country and community through his work with Civil Services for the Kentucky National Guard and the United States Army. Following his retirement, he continued to serve others through his work with Paducah Shooters Supply, where he remained for 26 years. His strong work ethic, steady presence, and dependable nature earned him the respect of those who knew him and worked alongside him.
He was a faithful member of Broadway Church of Christ and found strength and fellowship in his church family. Bill was also deeply involved in several fraternal and civic organizations, including Plain City Masonic Lodge #449 F&AM, where he was a 50-year member of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, and the Rizpah Shrine Temple. He was a life member of the VFW and a 50-year member of the American Legion. He was also a proud member of the Paducah Lions Club, where he was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow. These affiliations reflected his commitment to service, loyalty, and community involvement throughout his life.
Bill was an avid hunter and enjoyed the outdoors, where he found peace and purpose. He appreciated the simple things in life and carried himself with quiet strength and humility. Those who knew him will remember his kind spirit, his interesting stories, and the courage with which he met life’s challenges. He was a man who valued family, friendship, and faith, and he left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his son, Mitchell Dean “Mitch” Stewart, and his wife, Lisa Gossett Stewart, of Paducah, Kentucky; his grandson, Mason Stewart of Lexington, Kentucky; step-granddaughter, Jordan Elisabeth Guill of Paducah, Kentucky; and his niece, Laura Breidenbach. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Betty Sue Bradford Stewart; his two infant daughters, Linda and Pam Stewart; his sister, Theda Stewart Breidenbach; step-grandson, William Nicholas Guill; his parents, Walton Mitchell Stewart and Eddie Leach Beach Stewart; and three nieces and one nephew.
Bill’s life was one of devotion, service, and enduring love for his family and community. His memory will be cherished by those who knew him, and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah, with Rev. Katie McKown officiating. Burial will follow at Maplelawn Park Cemetery with Military Rites.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Masonic Rites at 10:45 a.m.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 100 Conn Terrace, Lexington, KY 40508.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
