Mr. Chauncey Hamilton Stuart

October 25, 1933 - April 23, 2022

Chauncey Hamilton Stuart was born on October 25, 1933, in Marshall, Virginia to the late Deacon Arthur Hamilton and Susie Rebecca Stuart and was the eldest of eight children. “Sarge” as he was affectionately called by those who knew and loved him, peacefully entered into eternity on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. Chauncey accepted the Lord as his savior at an early age when he joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Rectortown, Virginia. He was baptized by the late Rev. J.H. Ford in the winter during the 1940’s. All baptisms were performed in a creek that happened to be frozen over with ice at that time. Due to Chauncey’s unwavering determination to be baptized, the ice was removed so his baptism could occur. He received his early education at the “#12 Rectortown Virginia School” which had only two classrooms with two teachers. He graduated from the Manassas public school system where he was a member of the high school football and baseball teams and excelled as a talented athlete. After graduating high school, Chauncey enlisted in the United States Army in 1953. He met the love of his life, Mary, in Temple, Texas while he was stationed at Fort Hood military base near Killeen, Texas. They were later married in 1956 in the presence of family and friends on the lawn at his parent’s home in Middleburg, Virginia. In 1963, Chauncey joined Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He faithfully served in several capacities within the church to include chairman of the Trustee Board for 7 years, Senior Choir President, Usher Board, piano player for the Volunteer Choir and Deacon Emeritus. He dedicated his time and energy to performing the will of God. Chauncey was a god-fearing man who loved to pray and study the bible. He diligently attended bible study on a regular basis at church. Additionally, he completed the Baptist doctrine class at the Agape Bible Institute in Alexandria, Virginia as a true testament of his faith. Chauncey was also a proud member of the Acacia Lodge #32. Chauncey and Mary, also known as “Poppa” and “Granny,” were happily married for 45 years. He was a devoted husband and took excellent care of her in the comfort of their home after she faced health challenges until her passing in 2001. Chauncey considered himself blessed beyond measure to have his loving daughter, Georgia and son-in-law, Joe. He absolutely adored his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren whom he doted on at every opportunity. Chauncey was a true patriarch of the family and there was nothing in the world he would not do for them. He spent his time in their presence at family functions like birthday parties, cookouts, baby showers, holiday dinners, etc. where he was always the designated person to pray before every meal. Chauncey courageously served his country in the United States Army for 22 years and he honorably retired as “1st Sergeant Master (E8)” in 1975. During his distinguished military career, he served in the Korean conflict and two Vietnam tours as well as received the following awards: Meritorious Service Medal; Bronze Star Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal (5th award); Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (ROK); National Defense Service Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Korean Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device 60; Vietnam Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal and Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm. Chauncey continued to worship and serve God as the source of his strength and salvation, throughout all the military battles he fought. After the military, Chauncey worked for the Department of Transportation at the County of Fairfax where he was an enthusiastic school bus driver that captured the hearts of the many kids he transported to and from school. He retired from the county after 16 years of service. He was later asked by his previous supervisor to return to work as a school bus trainer with the City of Alexandria where he trained hundreds of new drivers through his personalized program. Chauncey was very passionate about his role and took it very seriously. He later struggled with the decision to resign after his health began to fail because he did not want to let anyone down at his job. His granddaughter Nikki typed several resignation letters for him because he kept moving his last day further and further out. They had lengthy discussions on the matter until he finally gave in and submitted his notice. He later moved in with his loving grandson Jody, who became his primary caretaker in 2020. Jody and his family were committed to showering Chauncey with love and affection daily as well as ensured his comfort until the end. Chauncey was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Stuart; daughter, Georgia Williams; and 2 brothers, Lafayette Stuart and Avon Stuart. He leaves to cherish his memory, his son-in-law Joseph “Joe” Williams; 2 grandsons, Roderick, Sr. “Rod” (Lea) and Joseph “Jody” (Kristi) Williams; 2 granddaughters, Kimberly “Kim” Williams and Marcina “Nikki” Williams; 7 great grandchildren, Roderick, Jr., Kaitlyn, Zoey, Raven, Curtis Williams, Zhaleh and Dakota Buster; 3 great great grandchildren, Elias “Eli” Williams, Gia Wames and Osiris Blue; 2 brothers, Alvin (Vivian) Stuart and Christopher (Diane) Stuart; 3 sisters, Lasinia Marshall, Synovia Jenkins, and Sylvia Gibbs; a sister-in-law Geraldine Stuart; one aunt, Juanita Smith; a devoted best friend, Floyd “Chico” Anderson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.