Zack Stewart, 87
June 27, 1937 – April 12, 2025
Oliver Zack Stewart, former Northern District Transportation Commissioner and devoted public servant to the state of Mississippi, passed away peacefully in New Albany, Mississippi, surrounded by family after a period of declining health. He was 87.
Born in Dumas, Mississippi, and raised in the Troy Community of Pontotoc County, Zack lived a life marked by service, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to progress. A proud United States Marine, he served from 1958 to 1961, and pursued his education at Itawamba Community College, Mississippi State University, and through extension work at East Carolina and North Carolina State Universities.
Zack’s professional path included early roles as an engineer with WCBI-TV and as a senior customer engineer with IBM. In 1972, he was appointed to lead the Mississippi Division of Appalachian Development and later founded Stewart Construction Company.
His legacy was most profoundly shaped by his 20-year tenure as Northern District Transportation Commissioner, beginning in 1983. Zack was a principal architect of the 1987 Four-Lane Highway Program, a transformational initiative that brought more than 1,000 miles of four-lane roads to Mississippi. He also helped establish the modern Mississippi Department of Transportation and served as Chairman of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
Zack’s vision and leadership brought lasting improvements across the state, including the expansion of Highway 72, the creation of Interstate 22, the construction of the MDOT headquarters, and the development of the Tanglefoot Trail. He played a pivotal role in securing the four-lane Tallahatchie River Bridge in New Albany, later named the “Zack Stewart Bridge” in his honor.
Beyond his career, Zack was a dedicated community volunteer with the Union County Heritage Museum and an advocate for preserving Mississippi’s rich infrastructure and history. Known for his direct manner and creative spirit, he was admired for his foresight and passion for building a better future.
Zack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jo Jaggers Stewart, in 2011. He is survived by his four children, Jeff Stewart (Vicky), Temple Hester (Ken), Tarea Stout (Jeff), Jason Stewart, eight grandchildren, Sydney Stewart, Wes Stewart (Hope), Kate Osbirn (Cody), Zack Stout (Alex), Rachel Stout, Layla Dillard (Brandon), Kai Stewart (Tori), Jonathan Christian Stewart, and three great-grandchildren, Marley Grace Stewart, Wesley Stephen Dillard, and Oliver Charles Stout. The Stewarts were longtime members of Hillcrest Baptist Church in New Albany.
A celebration of Zack’s life will be held at the Union County Heritage Museum on Friday, April 18, 2025, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. A private family graveside will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Union County Heritage Museum at P.O. Box 657 New Albany, MS 38652 or a charity of your choice.
The Union County Heritage Museum, 114 Cleveland Street, New Albany, MS 38652
Zack Stewart’s contributions to Mississippi are etched in its roads, bridges, and communities. His memory will endure through the lives he impacted and the state he helped build.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
Visitation and Celebration of Life:
Friday, April 18, 2025
Visitation: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m with funeral to follow at 1:00 p.m.
The Union County Heritage Museum
114 Cleveland Street
New Albany, MS 38652
