William John Stewart III

William John Stewart III, 82, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Born on December 2, 1943, in Louisville to William and Annette Stewart, Bill was a lifelong Kentucky resident who carried a deep kindness, loyalty, and abiding love for his family. Though he remained rooted in the Louisville area, he spent sixteen cherished years living in New York City, a place he adored. He often spoke fondly of his time in “old New York,” and watching films set in the city never failed to bring back warm memories of that special chapter in his life.

A proud graduate of Louisville Male High School, Class of 1962, Bill was known for his good heart, gentle spirit, and quiet sense of humor. He had a calm presence that put others at ease and a genuine joy in making people laugh. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose family was the center of his world. He shared a particularly close bond with his son Craig’s children, Will and Julia, who brought light and happiness to the last twenty years of his life. He also held a profound and enduring love for his mother, whom he cherished throughout his days.

Bill was deeply patriotic, though he did not serve in the military. He held great respect for those who did and was especially supportive of first responders and the troops. He devoted many hours to blood drives at Fort Knox in their honor. In his quieter moments, he found pleasure in cooking, collecting guns and coins, watching college sports and classic black-and-white movies, and enjoying music of all kinds. He was also famously “in charge of the remote,” a role he embraced with characteristic good humor.

He will be remembered for his loyalty, patriotism, gentle nature, and the love he gave so freely to his family and friends. Bill is survived by his loving wife of nearly sixty years, Beverly Stewart; sons Chris Stewart and Craig Stewart; grandson Will; granddaughters Julia, Alley, and Emily; special cousins Joyce Gregory (Tony) and Billy Gregory; four siblings; and a host of extended family and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. Stewart and Annette Wallace Stewart, and his daughter-in-law, Jessica Stewart.