Jon Douglas “Doug” Stewart, an active and respected partner of the regional law firm of Stewart, Melvin & Frost for fifty years, passed away on May 10, 2019.

His legacy of service in both his profession and the community will long be remembered. Generous with his time and talents, he was a leader and a workhorse. A native of Gainesville, Mr. Stewart earned his LLB from Emory School of Law in 1962. A distinguished litigator and advocate for his clients, he practiced throughout the State of Georgia in the State and Federal trial and appellate Courts during his long career.

Mr. Stewart was recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer. He served as president of the State Bar of Georgia from 1981 to1982. He also served on the board of trustees of the Georgia Bar Foundation as president and vice president from 1983 to 1993, receiving the Distinguished Service Award. In 2018, he was awarded the highest honor of the State Bar, the Thomas O. Marshall Professionalism Award.

Widely known as a great citizen and community leader, Mr. Stewart was instrumental in the success of the Georgia Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA) and served on the Hall-Dawson advisory committee. He was a member of the Gainesville Kiwanis Club where he was honored with Workhorse Award. He was active in local theater and musical productions in the area and sang in the choir at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. A family man, he was devoted to his wife of 55 years, Helen Helms Stewart, their two sons and three grandchildren.

Mr. Stewart invested time and energy in the next generation. He was a mentor and coach to young lawyers, a leader in the community and an encouraging friend to everyone who knew him.