William "Bill" Franklin Stewart, Jr.

William Franklin “Bill” Stewart, 95, resident of Chattanooga for 43 years and retired President and CEO of Red Food Stores passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025.  He is survived by two daughters, Ebbie Stewart MD (Paul Zellweger) of Rochester, MN and Cissy Williams (John) of Chattanooga, seven beloved grandchildren, Jamie Engle (Greg), Sarah Grebowski (Zach Carpino), Ellie Grebowski, Jake Zellweger, Anna Zellweger, Brittany Williams, and Ryan Williams (Juhi Srivastava), two great grandchildren, Brennan and Jules, and a sister Lucy Stewart of Jacksonville Beach, FL. His devoted wife of 66 years, Pat, died in 2023.

He was a native of South Carolina and spent his entire working career in the food business. He was an Army veteran and served overseas in Germany. At Red Food he was very active in local civic activities. He was a member and Past Director of the Downtown Rotary Club, Member and Past Director of the United Way, and Past Chairman of Cherokee Area Boy Scouts of American. He was Founding President of Chattanooga Business Health Care Coalition. He started the Red Food Stores Cancer Control Program which raised millions of dollars for Cancer Research. He was a Partner and Past President of the Chattanooga Investment Club. Bill was a longtime Blood Donor donating 22 gallons and helping save over 435 lives. He was active in the fitness program at the Downtown YMCA and a volunteer for the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. He was a former member of Lookout Mountain Golf Club, Fairyland Club and Good Shepard Episcopal Church.

In addition to his work in the community, he was a devoted and generous family man, active in every facet of his daughter’s lives, long before it was fashionable to do so. Although a man of few words, he wrote extensive letters and mentored and advised his daughters, grandchildren, nephews, colleagues and others aiming to turn problems into unsolved opportunities.

The family is extremely grateful to the staff of The Bridge of Ooltewah and especially Angie Johnson and the late Starr Bradford for their loving care. A graveside service will be held Friday, August 8, 2:30pm, at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Remembrance can be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.