Harold Franklin Stewart

Harold Franklin Stewart (Hal), age 73, born in Bonny Blue, Virginia on January 9th, 1938 to the parents of Henry and Mary Stewart died on Thursday, September 22nd, 2011. Upon completing high school, Hal served in the United States Navy at the age of 17. After a honorable discharge from the United States Navy, he went on to work for AT&T in Louisville, Kentucky as a Communications Technician. It was there that he met his wife of 51 years, Betty Ann Rice. Hal and Betty would go on to raise 3 children, John F, Harold J, and Jennifer D. While working for AT&T, Hal put himself through college at night, where he earned his Bachelor''s Degree from the University of Illinois. Hal would go on to ascend 4 levels of management during his 40 years of dedicated service. Upon his retirement, Hal went on to be a very successful Telecommunications Consultant for several companies within the United States and Europe over the next 4 years.

In 2000, Hal and Betty moved to Lake Oconee, where over the next 10 years he would focus his attention on the community such as; becoming a Volunteer Fireman, First Responder, and Greene County Emergency Management Director, a position he would hold from 2002-2006. Hal is credited with establishing the Emergency Management function and enhanced the e911 center in Greene County. Through Hal''s efforts, Greene County Emergency Services continue to evolve as a result of the foundation he established. In addition, from 2007-2009 Hal and Betty took on leadership responsibilities of the Greene County Christmas Stocking Fund, a charitable organization that provides underprivileged children in Greene County with Christmas gifts during the holiday season. Hal was also an active member at the Walker United Methodist Church, where he facilitated Sunday school and took part in many functions within the church supporting the community.

Hal is survived by his sisters, Joe Bud Gibson and Mildred Summers, as well as bothers, James, Ed and Ralph Stewart, in addition his wife, 2 sons, daughter, 8 grand children and 5 great grand children. Hal will be loved and missed by all who crossed his path.

A memorial service has been set for 2:00 pm Saturday, October 1st at Walker United Methodist Church, 2730 Walker Church Road, Greensboro, GA with Rev. John Pike officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to Hal''s favorite charity, The Greene County Christmas Stocking Fund, 1260 Old Rock Road, Greensboro, GA 30642-4059. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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