Thomas Gary Stone

Mr. Thomas Gary Stone, 86, died April 27, 2021, at the Hospice Unit of the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Born in Old Fort, NC, he was the son of Samuel and Helen Stirewalt Stone. After graduating from Old Fort High School, he married Betty Joyce Dennis and joined the United States Army. Together they raised four children as Mr. Stone served in Army posts around the world, including in Germany, Italy, and Viet Nam.

After a military career spanning twenty-one years, Mr. Stone returned to Old Fort and earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree from McDowell Technical College. He worked in various positions at Baxter’s and at Collins and Aikman. A Christian man, Mr. Stone generously donated his talents to building houses for Habitat for Humanity, and throughout his life, he contributed time and support to various churches in his community.

Mr. Stone was predeceased by his brother, Samuel L. Stone, and by two grandsons, Josh Stone and Travis Stone. He is survived by his wife Sharon Cooper Stone, who was blessed and grateful to have shared his life for over nine years. He is also survived by four children: Stephanie Jo Stone Venable, Jeffrey Dennis Stone, Jerry Scott Stone, and John Christopher Stone, and their spouses; his wife’s son, C. Drayton Cooper IV and his family, as well as 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC.

The family would like to express appreciation to all VA Hospital and Hospice staff for the expertise, compassion and love they showed to Mr. Stone and his family throughout his illness.

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