Leonard Russell Stewart went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at his home in Madison, Alabama.

Leonard was born on May 9, 1937 in Sprott, Alabama to Charlie and Mae Stewart. He attended Maplesville High School and graduated in 1955. On August 19, 1961, Leonard married Mattie Ruth Rush Stewart, and they began building a life and legacy of love and faith together that would span decades. Soon after high school, Leonard joined the Army National Guard and spent six months away training. Upon his return, he began working with the State of Alabama Highway Department. He started as a rod man and diligently worked his way up in the department, retiring after 43 years with the department as a district engineer. Leonard loved his job and gave it 100% dedication every day. He still enjoyed discussing his work on various roadways and bridges with his grandchildren long after his retirement.

Leonard was a member of a local church his whole life and loved to serve wherever he could. He was on numerous church boards and took his work there very seriously. He was a Sunday School teacher until he was in his early eighties.

In his spare time, Leonard was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting rabbit and squirrel. He also enjoyed reading and traveling with Mattie Ruth in their early retirement years. Throughout the years, Mattie Ruth needed pergolas, trellises, flower beds, patios, decks, concrete plant stands and more, so Leonard became a master builder as well, and took great pride in caring for their yard. Leonard’s greatest joy in life was his family, and he loved keeping up with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, celebrating them, cheering them on, and faithfully praying for them in all of their endeavors.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jimmy Stewart, Charles Stewart, and Gerald Douglas Stewart, and grandson Christopher Michael Stewart. He is survived by a large and loving family – his beloved wife of almost 65 years, Mattie Ruth; his brother Hugh Stewart, of Tuscaloosa, his sister, Betty Stewart Morgan, of Atlanta; his daughter and son-in-law, Trisha and Dan Stallings of Madison; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Allison Stewart, of Huntsville; and his son and daughter-in-law, Allen and Teresa Stewart of Maplesville. He also had seven devoted grandchildren and their spouses: Taylor and Heather Stallings, of Huntsville; Logan and Bridgett Stallings, of Huntsville; Haley and Shane Tucker, of Madison; Megan and Graham Agee, of Huntsville; Matt and Mary Stewart, of Huntsville; Forrest and Hadley Stewart, of Opelika; and Mallory and Aaron Ratliff, of Maplesville. Finally, he leaves behind thirteen great-grandchildren who he loved to make laugh: Daniel, Ben, Andrew, and Harper Grace Stallings; Jonah, Wynnie, and much anticipated Lottie Stallings (due July 30th); Isaac Tucker; George Agee; Ella Stewart; Mattie and Hank Stewart; and Russell Ratliff.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm (CDT), Monday, July 27th, 2026 at Magnolia Chapel in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with visitation from 11:00-12:00. Burial will follow at 2:00 pm (CDT) in Maplesville, Alabama.