Billy Lee Stewart was born on June 3, 1936 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, an only child, to parents Robert Olan and Edna Earl Stewart. Growing up, Billy was active in sports and was a self-professed, “Jock.” Billy graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1954, and shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. In September 1954, at 18-years- old, the Marine Corps brought Billy from Tulsa to San Diego, where he attended boot camp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD). After boot camp, Billy was based at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. During his military service, Billy was awarded a Good Conduct Medal. After proudly serving our Country for four years, Billy was Honorably discharged from the Corps as a Sergeant.

As Billy enjoyed life in San Diego, he decided to remain in San Diego after he was released from active military duty. Billy initially worked in the banking industry, before settling into his lifelong profession as a car salesman. This was a profession that Billy thrived in for 50 years, consistently setting sales records, and repeatedly winning Salesman of the Year. Everyone who knew Billy would describe him as the epitome of an outgoing, extravert, he had a special way with people, and that allowed him to build strong bonds with his customers. Billy worked into his seventies, before finally retiring in 2011.

In his retired life, Billy spent his free time in ministry and devoted his life to spreading the word of God. For well over a decade, Billy was actively involved in the prison and jail ministry. He would regularly go into prisons and jails, where he lead bible studies and delivered sermons. He also had a heart for San Diego’s transient population, and he volunteered his time serving the less fortunate at God’s Extended Hand Rescue Mission, in downtown San Diego. Billy loved sharing God’s word, and would often preach about how God changed his life when he became a Christian in April 1980. Billy often spoke about the first 44 years of his life before God transformed him, and he would often compare and contrast it to the man he became after he accepted Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. For years, Billy set up a table he called, “The Lord’s Table” at Balboa Park, a ministry that found him serving 10-12 hour days every Friday and Saturday, where he handed out tracts and told strangers about his love for Jesus Christ. Billy made an impact in so many people’s lives.

Billy’s greatest legacy is that he was a consummate, devoted, loving family man. His wife, children, and grandchildren were always Billy’s top priority. Billy married his wife, Robin Lee, on March 31, 1978, and they were together until his passing. Together, Billy and Robin had two children, Tiffany Lee, and Joshua Lee, in addition to Billy’s two eldest sons, Todd William, and Timothy Brooks, from his first marriage. Billy loved his family. When he wasn’t working to provide a living, he was with his family. He loved attending his childrens’ sporting events, school performances, social events, and built strong relationships with his childrens’ friends. No matter how old he was, Billy was always a kid at heart, hence the nickname, “Billy the Kid.” Well into his sixties, Billy loved playing sports, riding rollercoasters, and toilet papering houses with his kids. Billy had a contagious laugh, and genuine smile. His positivity and love emanated through his palpable energy. Billy knew how to have fun and he always lived life to its fullest. Billy loved to laugh, dance, and sing. As his children grew older, and Billy became a grandfather, his love for his grandchildren was evident in the time that he spent with them, and the way he would smile every time he was lovingly called, “Papa.”

At 87-years-old, when Billy breathed his last breath, and had his final heartbeat at 2:58 a.m. on February 28, 2024, he left behind a multitude of grief-stricken family and friends, whose lives will never be the same without him. Billy is survived by his wife, Robin, his sons Todd, Timothy, and Joshua, his daughter Tiffany, his grandchildren Austin, Grant, Kayla, Lexie, Shiloh, and Presley, and daughters-in-law Rachel and Alyssa. In addition to his immediate family, Billy is survived by extended family and many close friends who will miss him dearly. Although Billy was not a wealthy man, what he leaves behind to those who loved him is worth far more than gold.

Funeral services and a celebration of life to honor Billy’s life and legacy will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  at Calvary Chapel in Santee located at 10920 Summit Avenue, Santee, CA 92071. A post-funeral reception and celebration of life will take place immediately after the funeral at the on-site fellowship hall. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Anyone who loves Billy is a welcome presence.  

To everyone who loved Billy, thank you. Please remember Billy every time you hear his favorite song, “Amazing Grace,” and always keep Billy’s legacy alive. 

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