Richard Thomas Stewart

Richard Thomas Stewart passed away on Saturday September 20th, 2025, at Saint John Regional Hospital in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada after suffering a medical emergency on a cruise for his 80th Birthday. On this day the world lost one of the most kind, big-hearted, empathic, unconditionally loving and giving people.

He was born on September 17th, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama to Sarah Frances Stewart and Lloyd Leslie Stewart, Jr. He was raised in West End and graduated from Phillips High School in 1963, where he participated in and reached the rank of colonel in the ROTC.

After high school he briefly attended Samford University before completing his education at the United Electronics Institute in Birmingham. After graduation he worked at Texas Instruments in Dallas, Texas before returning to Birmingham. He worked at UAB and C & O Electric before opening his own company.

In 1982, S & W Electric was started by Richard and his partner Joe Willoughby, Sr. He ran his company with strength, compassion and understanding for his customers and employees. He was not only a boss but also everyone’s mentor and friend. Richard once wrote “S & W Electric Company’s business foundation is built on the principle of giving back to your industry, your community and your employees”. Throughout his work and personal life there was no one he considered unworthy of his friendship. He was destined to lead and he loved everyone.

He was instrumental in establishing the first chapter of the IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) in Birmingham. Throughout his work in the electrical industry, he had a positive impact on the industry itself as well as so many lives.

After family and friends, one of his greatest loves was cars and auto racing, which started in the 1960’s with him being part of Allison racing. That love continued through his life with him racing and showing his own cars.

Another passion of Richard’s was the revitalization of the Avondale neighborhood where his business is located. He was very active in the Avondale Merchants Association.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Virginia Stewart, daughter, Ginger Boggan and son-in- law, Craig. He has four grandchildren and three great grandchildren that he adored. They are Heather Harris (Allen), Kristi Justice (Michael), Joshua Boggan (Casie) and Noah Boggan. Great grandchildren are Liam, Lennon and Marielle. There are also a host family and friends that love him very much. He is predeceased by his parents and by his brother, L. L. Stewart, III.

Everyone is invited to celebrate Richard’s life with us on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville, Alabama with burial at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. with service and graveside to follow.