Wiley Stewart VanNortwick

May 3, 1927 – March 7, 2014

Wiley Stewart VanNortwick went to be with his Lord on March 7, 2014.

He was born May 3, 1927, in Robersonville, to the late Earl and Mary Lene Rogerson VanNortwick. After graduating from Robersonville High School in 1944, he was drafted into the Army during World War II and served in France and Belgium until discharged in 1947. Upon returning home, he attended Brevard and Asheville Biltmore College. In 1951, he graduated from college and went to work with the Federal State Inspection Service in states from Florida to New York. In 1972, he left the Inspection Service and went to work with the Peanut Administrative Committee in Atlanta, Ga., as a field representative until his retirement in 1997.

Stewart was a devout lover of trains and boats. His huge collection of train sets was unsurpassed by anyone in eastern North Carolina. He also built his own train with cars and track that people could ride. That was his dream come true.

Stewart was a mason for over 50 years at the Skewarkee 0090 local chapter. For 35 years, he was in the U.S. Coastguard Auxiliary, serving as the commander at one time. He was past president and a member of the United Ostomy Association. Stewart and his wife Georgia Dean owned and operated Georgia’s Flowers and Gifts, located in Williamston.

As a young man, Stewart was a member of the First Christian Church in Robersonville. For the past three years, he has attended Piney Grove Baptist Church and Sunday school with a favorite and close niece, Alice Coltrain.

On July 27, 1958, he married Georgia Dean Roberson of Farm Life, who preceded him in death on Dec. 31, 2010, three years ago, and also by his sister, Margaret Briley of Robersonville, and brother Davis M. VanNortwick of Sun City West, Ariz.

Stewart is survived by his only son Victor Stewart VanNortwick and wife Kim Fischer VanNortwick of Williamston; grandson, Patrick VanNortwick of Raleigh; granddaughter, Victoria Gray VanNortwick, who is attending Barton College in Wilson. There are also numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews and great-great-nieces and -nephews across the United States, as well as his standard white poodle, Bonnie.

The family will receive friends at the visitation on Tuesday, March 12, 2014, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Biggs Funeral Home. Services will be held after the visitation at 4 p.m. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Stewart’s honor should be made to a church of one’s choice. Condolences made be made at www.biggsfuneralswilliamston.com.