RALEIGH — Former member of the North Carolina House Carl Stewart Jr. died in the final week of 2025. He was 89 years old.
Stewart, a Democrat from Gastonia, served in the House from 1967 to 1980. He was the first to serve two terms as speaker of the House. He held a law degree from Duke University (1961) and practiced law at his firm for more than six decades. He also served in the North Carolina National Guard.
“Saddened to learn of the passing of former NC House Speaker Carl Stewart,” House Speaker Destin Hall posted on social media Dec. 26. “Please join me in keeping his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”
Later the same day, Gov. Josh Stein also issued condolences, writing on social media, “I am saddened to learn about the passing of Carl Stewart, the first two-term Speaker of the North Carolina House. I am keeping his family in my prayers.”
Stewart also served on the North Carolina Board of Transportation (1981-83) as well as on the state’s Economic Development Board (1999-2001) and the Board of Technology (1999-2001). He was the chair for the N.C. Ports Authority under Govs. Mike Easley and Bev Perdue, and he had recently served on the State Ethics Commission. Stewart was also a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest honor.
According to his obituary, a memorial service will be held Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. in the Founders Chapel of McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gaston College Foundation.
