Billy Martin Stewart, Jr. "Skip"

Billy Martin Stewart, Jr. "Skip", 52, of Bakersfield, CA, died on Thursday, April 20, 2017 this was sudden, tragic and unexpected. Skip was born the day before Valentine's Day (why he was a real sweetheart of a man) on February 13, 1965 in Brookhaven, MS to Opal Mae Stewart and Billy Martin Stewart, Sr. He attended Pioneer Drive Elementary, Sierra Junior High, and East Bakersfield High.



Skip was the youngest of 3 children. His mother moved from Jasper, TX to Bakersfield, CA in 1966 when Skipper was just 18 months old.



Skip was very gifted and talented, from woodworking and metal shop in school to dry walling and roofing. A man with a can do attitude. He loved to build models, he got into customizing Mopeds and entering car shows winning 1st place every time. His first car was a Vega, V8 that is! He built the engine and there it was, first one on the road by his own mechanic style. Did he race it? What do you think? J Motorcycles took his interest and drag racing his Suzuki with wheelie bar (he owned 2 in his life) at Famoso was the highlight of his life albeit scary to watch. Yes, he did win! Skip also loved his boat, his Hydroboat with a 350 Chevy engine. Many Sundays at Ming Lake were so fun, we always looked forward to the weekends at the lake.



At the age of 15 he was already welding and working with metal this was his dream. Eventually this dream career of being a welder lead to his company, "Skip's Welding". His mentor was, Mr. Karl Johns. Skip wasn't just any welder, but the best welder in the country! He was certified in every phase of welding, EXCEPT underwater, including certification in confined spaces. He was one of 3 welders in the United States who was certified to weld on the 747 airliner.



Skip loved to help others and teach others who wanted to know the trade of welding. He taught so many people the trade, hired them as welder's helpers and got them certified. Skip even paid out of his own pocket for their certifications and tools they needed to get a head start. His giving nature and warm heart was felt by at least 15-20 successful welders to this day.



It's hard to even say this, but Skip leaves behind a large family with so many friends. He is survived by his mother Opal (Sandy Holly) Stewart; his sister Sandra Neel and one niece Suzette Neel; his brother Steven Stewart; 5 children, son Christopher (wife Katherine) from Kalispell, Montana; Billy (wife Meghan) from Bakersfield; daughter Shelby from Bakersfield; Steven and Shane from Taft; 7 grandchildren, Brooklyn, Brandon, Ashton, and Londyn; Lily and Emily; and Ryder. Skip had 10 aunts and uncles and many cousins.



Services will be held at Basham FuneralCare at 3312 Niles Street, on Friday, April 28, 2017. Viewing from 10am-12pm. Donations to his mother would be appreciated during this time to help with funeral expenses.