Dr. Charles Edward Stone, 87, of Christiansburg, Associate Professor Emeritus of the Economics Department at Radford University, passed away on September 17, 2012, at Lewis Gale Montgomery Regional Hospital in Blacksburg, VA.
The son of Franklin and Georgia Stone, Charles was born in the Community of Sugar Grove in Smyth County, Va. He proudly served in the US Navy in World War II. He graduated from Berea College and started teaching at Sugar Grove High School where he later served as Guidance Counselor and Assistant Principal for 14 years. He later attended the University of Kentucky and received a doctorate degree in Economics. He accepted a position at Radford University in Economics in 1967 and was the Chairman of the Department for several years. He retired in 1985. Charles was deeply committed to family, church and community. He and his wife sang twice a month at English Meadow Retirement Home for 19 years. He was a Deacon at Christiansburg Baptist Church, taught Sunday School and sang in the Choir. He was an avid runner, up until his death. He was a person of faith and lived his life serving others. His indomitable spirit encouraged his family and friends to persist in the face of many struggles. He was committed to making sure that all knew of his support for them to achieve to their highest potential through faith and education. The legacy of his kind spirit and passion for life will live on through his family and all who knew him. His grandchildren were the pride of his life.
He is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife of 62 years, Virgie Tilson Stone; his sister, Evelyn King & her husband Graham from Memphis TN; one son David & his wife Kathy; three granddaughters, Clara Stone-Henry & her husband David Henry, Abbey Stone and Rebecca Stone; and one great granddaughter, Savannah Henry. He is predeceased by one grandson, Michael Thomas Stone. He is also survived by numerous devoted nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg. A funeral service will be held at Christiansburg Baptist Church, Roanoke Road, on Thursday, September 20, 2012, at 11 am, with the Rev. Sean Couch officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg.