Doyle LaVant Stewart, known affectionately as Vant, was born on July 23, 1958 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was born to the late Dolores and Bishop A. B. Stewart and he departed this life on April 2, 2018, in Auburn, Alabama.
He attended James A. Henry Elementary School, Howard Jr. High School, and Kirkman Technical High School in Chattanooga.
He enlisted into the United States Marine Corps as a Radio Officer in 1976 and was appointed Sergeant in 1981. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal with 1 Star, Meritorious Mast, and US Marine Corps Letter of Appreciation. Vant was also honored for completing Jump School during his service as well. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Anna Davis during his service period and was honorably discharged in 1983. Vant and Anna made their home in Opelika, Al., until his heavenly transition.
He worked at BF Goodrich/Uniroyal and retired in 2009. Vant was blessed with the gift and passion for his family and children. He was affectionately called “Peter Pan” by his wife. He was an avid lover of jazz music, the outdoors, and it was nothing for him to take a drive in his favorite car, the Lincoln Navigator. He also loved a good Memo’s chopped weenie and would always makes sure he got one every time he visited his hometown of Chattanooga. He loved fashion and is known to be the fastest kid in his neighborhood growing up. Vant also loved motorcycles and bought his own during his younger years when he worked for the Red Food Store.
Vant was preceded in death by his grandparents, Willie James and Cazie Nelms, his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Stewart, his uncles: Joe Wayne and Harvey Nelms, his aunt: Barbara Ann Johnson, and his nephew, Van Wilson.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his beloved wife, Anna Stewart, one son: Michael Stewart of Opelika, three daughters: Doyla Stewart-Greathouse of Opelika, Brittany Stewart of Opelika, Archie Stewart of Birmingham, and Kenyona Johnson of Birmingham, two sisters: Beverly Wilson of Chattanooga, and Miranda (Calvin) Tramble of Chattanooga, and one brother: Efrin Stewart of Chattanooga. He was the proud grandfather of three grandsons: Jaqevin Malik “Qe” Stewart, Mark Anthony “Flip” Greathouse, and Marqevious LaVant “LV” Greathouse, his devoted cousins: E Lopez Lockart of Dallas, Cazie Todd of Waldorf, Md., Derrick Lockart of White Plains, Md., and Sheila Tate of Chattanooga, and his childhood best friends: Anthony “Ant” Jones of Chattanooga, Aaron L. “Buster” McReynolds of Chattanooga, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Public viewing of the body will be on Thursday, April 5, at Harris Funeral Home, 515 South 6th Street. On Friday, April 6, the body will lie in state beginning at 5 p.m. CST. The family hour will take place from 6-8 p.m. CST.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 6, at 1 p.m. CST at Ferguson Chapel CME Church, 310 South 4th Street, Opelika, Al. 36801 officiated by Reverend LEO Douglas, pastor.