William "Keith" Stewart

William Keith "Kebo" Stewart, 55, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

Born on January 28, 1971, Keith was the son of Jesse William Stewart and Ella Godwin-Hudgins of Burlington. He was a devoted husband, father, Pawpaw, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose larger-than-life personality left an unforgettable impression on everyone he met.

If you knew Keith, you knew his love for the North Carolina Tar Heels. To say he was a die-hard Carolina fan would be an understatement. He proudly wore Carolina Blue, never missed a game, and loved cheering on the Tar Heels with unmatched enthusiasm. Those who knew him will forever think of him whenever they see that familiar shade of blue.

Keith was equally known for another passion—cooking. For more than four decades, he dedicated his life to serving others through food and hospitality. He began working at Skid's Restaurant at just 12 years old, later becoming owner of Gus J. Kappas Grill before spending more than 20 years as manager of Mayberry at the Park. In the final months of his life, he returned to Skid's, where his journey had first begun.

To Keith, his customers were never simply customers—they became family. He remembered their names, their favorite meals, and often had their orders started before they reached the counter. He genuinely loved the people he served each day, and they loved him right back. His work was never just a job; it was his calling. He took pride in showing up every day with a smile, a joke, and a meal prepared with care. His dedication and work ethic were unmatched, and those who knew him knew there was no harder-working man.

Although free time was rare, there was nothing he treasured more than spending time with his family—especially his grandsons. Being "Pawpaw" was one of his greatest joys, and Bryce and Banks were truly the light of his life.

Above all else, Keith loved deeply. He had a generous heart, a quick wit, and a sense of humor that could brighten even the hardest days. His smile was contagious, his laugh unforgettable, and his kindness touched countless lives.

Keith is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Davis Stewart; his daughter, Kacie Stewart Hardison, and her husband, Sam Hardison; his beloved grandsons, Bryce and Banks Hardison; his mother, Ella Godwin-Hudgins; his father, Jesse Stewart and wife, Bonnie; his sister, Angela Amick; his mother-in-law, Joyce Neal and husband, David; his sister-in-law, Tracy Taylor and husband, Buster Taylor; his nieces, Jessica Harvey and husband, Jordonn, Ashley Braxton, Lauren Byrd and husband, Brandon, and Mackenzie Taylor; along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, coworkers, and the countless customers whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Keith leaves behind a legacy of hard work, laughter, generosity, and love. There will never be another Carolina fan quite like him, another cook who made people feel so welcome, or another man whose heart was so devoted to his family and the people around him. His impact on this community will be felt for generations to come.

A Celebration of Keith's Life will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Staley Memorial Baptist Church in Burlington, NC. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church sanctuary until 5:00pm. Friends and family are welcome at the residence of his daughter. 

In honor of Keith, the family kindly requests that those attending wear Carolina Blue or UNC attire, as he would have wanted nothing more.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who loved Keith, supported him, and shared in the joy of his life. Your kindness and friendship meant the world to him.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that Keith's legacy lives on in every family meal, every Tar Heel victory, every shared laugh, and every life he touched. He will be profoundly missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.