Stewart Chandler Goudelock
November 4, 1965 – August 16, 2024
Stewart Chandler Goudelock, 58, of Williamsburg Virginia passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024. Born on November 4, 1965, Stewart was the son of Nancy Goudelock Stevenson and the late William Ferguson Goudelock. He spent his childhood years in Winnsboro, South Carolina and was a graduate of Winnsboro High School.
Many who were close to Stewart knew him fondly as “Stew Baby.” To those he loved most, he was known as “Dad.” His greatest pride and his constant source of joy were his three children. He was also a very proud grandfather to six rambunctious grandchildren whom he deeply adored. As a very young man he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Bailey. They happily welcomed their daughters, Bailey and Grayson, into their family. Their friendship has endured far beyond their marriage. Many years later, Stewart found love again and married Melanie Heath. Their union was blessed with the birth of their son, Caelan. Stewart cherished the heartfelt love, support and encouragement that Melanie constantly provided especially through his recurring health struggles over the years.
Stewart was a beloved son, a cherished brother, the “cool” uncle, and a loyal friend. He was fortunate to be surrounded by loving and caring neighbors, and he was a steadfast and devoted neighbor in return. He enjoyed a long career in sales beginning with National Welders Supply, Inc. and culminating with 17 years of employment at Roberts Oxygen. He was passionate about his work, his company, and his genuine friendships with his coworkers and customers.
Stewart was gifted with natural charisma and a genuine interest in everyone he met. He made friends instantly and was often remembered fondly by those who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. He possessed in great abundance the quality of tenacity (sometimes confused with stubbornness). That tenaciousness served him well as he navigated an extra ten years of living through the obstacles of a terminal illness. Stewart was happiest when he was outdoors and enjoyed many hours boating, fishing, and hunting. He especially cherished his trips to Disney World with his son. Those trips provided a convenient excuse for him to return home for a visit with his mom halfway through the road trip. He checked in on her every evening via a Facetime call. He was an avid Clemson fan and reveled in many family gatherings while tailgating and cheering on the Tigers. His laughter and memorable smile were robust and contagious. You knew you were in his presence if your stomach ached from constant and continuous laughter.
Stewart is survived by his daughters, Bailey Goudelock Hughes (Greg) of Bella Vista, Arkansas and Grayson Shaw Goudelock of Palmyra, Virginia, and by his son, Caelan Stewart Heath of Yorktown, Virginia. He is also survived by his mother, Nancy Goudelock Stevenson of Winnsboro, SC, and by his seven loving siblings and step-siblings, all of whom he considered his brothers and sisters: James Russell “Rusty” Goudelock, II (Diedri), William Ferguson “Bill” Goudelock, Jr. (Dean), David Vandiver Goudelock (Tonja), Gail Stevenson Lyles (Jamie), Larry Brown “Bubba” Stevenson, Jr., Cheryl Stevenson Russell (Steve), and Amy Stevenson Ware. Also, surviving are a multitude of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and loyal friends.
Stewart was pre-deceased by his father, William Ferguson Goudelock, and his stepfather, Larry Brown Stevenson, whom he lovingly called “PaPaw.”
The family would like to express their deep and heartfelt gratitude to the outstanding physicians, nurses and staff at Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton, Va., as well as to close personal and family friend, Joe John Stephenson, M.D. of Prisma Health in Greenville, S.C. Their professional and compassionate attention and care over the last week were a tremendous source of comfort for Stewart and all those who love him.
Stewart will be remembered with a private family Celebration of Life on Sunday, September 1, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrance gifts be made to the American Cancer Society, to First United Methodist Church at 109 W. College St., Winnsboro SC 29180, or to a charity of one’s choice.
