Raymond William Stewart

Raymond William “Butchie” Stewart Age 82, born December 28, 1938, peacefully passed away in his home March 7, 2021 in Oriental, North Carolina. Ray had been a resident of Oriental since March of 2005 after spending most of his adult life in Moorestown, New Jersey.

Ray was a coach and active in the town’s athletic programs. Ray was a tremendous athlete and respected sports competitions. Among his other great devotions were his family, spending time being in and around water, tending to his extensive garden and traveling. He also had a love of nature and wildlife.

Ray was preceded in death by his mother Agnes [nee Atkinson (Achagunas)] Lundy; his father Horace “Ray” Stewart; sister Aggie and brother Ronald. He is survived by his two children, Eric Raymond and Tami Renee Stewart; granddaughter Saige; niece Michele and nephews Ronald, John and Brian Stewart. Ray was married in 1969 to Irene, “Renie” Mazetis now Brooksieker, with whom he maintained an amicable relationship, even after their divorce in 1987.

Ray studied one year of college at Rutgers before enlisting in the marines on Feb. 28, 1958. Where he won multiple awards for his marksmanship and received an Honorable Discharge. Ray graduated from Rutgers University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree. He then went from being a mortgage banker into a career as a real-estate appraiser and worked as a real estate consultant and appraiser. After years of extensive additional studies, Ray achieved the prestigious designation of MAI appraiser. Ray apportioned his skills with various companies including the US Postal Service where he performed work regarding the sale and preservation of historic post offices and appraisals of sites for new post offices.

Ray endured many health and personal challenges throughout his years. However, he loved the ‘simple life’ and reminded us often of the words told by the fox to the Little Prince, “One sees rightly only with the heart, what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Ray will be cherished by those who loved him and will remain forever in our hearts.

Memorial Donations can be made in Raymond Stewart’s name to: The American Heart Association Nami: National Alliance on Mental Illness.