of Fairfield Bay, AR
May 17, 1961 - August 16, 2022
Ronald James (RJ) Stone was born, much to the shock and delight of his parents, immediately following the birth of his twin brother, Raymond, on May 17, 1961 ibn Houma, Louisiana. Not knowing they were having twins was just the beginning of the surprises he was to bring his parents throughout their lifetimes. His parents were Raymond J. and Nancy Borland Stone of Houma, Louisiana. RJ left this world on August 16, 2022 at the age of 61, after fighting ALS.
He graduated from Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma in 1979 and began a brief encounter with higher education which interfered with his zest for life. He then began a study of computers on his own terms. This education served him well in his careers with Tandy/Radio Shack in Fort Worth, Texas, IBM in Memphis, Tennessee, Family Dollar in Arkansas and Kentucky and EC Barton Company in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
On April 15, 1989, he married the absolute love of his life, Anne Arnold, in Fort Worth, Texas. This union lasted until death parted them after 33 years of marriage. They had two beautiful and talented daughters, Kathryn Elizabeth and Olivia Grace. In later years, they were joined by an equally talented and beautiful bonus daughter, Carly Jo Collins. Throughout their upbringing he freely imparted his fatherly wisdom to his daughters, embossing into their consciousness at "All boys are doofus heads" and "No! is a complete sentence that needs no further explanation." He also imparted to them his love of all things Star Trek, Star Wars, animated movies and Dad jokes, among other things.
He was always happy when riding his motorcycle on the curvy, hilly roads which called to him. He found a freedom there that seemed to take his cares away and brought the development of a kinship among other riders.
He enjoyed taking trips in Rolling Stone, the family RV, and seeing the country through its large windshield. The "Stone" name was used in naming their homes (Stonehaven, Stonewood, Cornerstone...) and their pets (Rocky, Pebbles, Precious, Flint...). If he had completed his plans to have a boat, it surely would have been named The Floating Stone.
His passing left a hole in the heart of his wife, Anne, of Fairfield Bay; his daughters, Kathryn Stone of Little Rock, Arkansas, Olivia Stone and her husband, Freddie Thompson of Shreveport, Louisiana and Carly Collins and her fiance, Brandon Cox of Conway, Arkansas. He also leaves his brothers, Raymond Stone of Kenner, Louisiana and Bob (Sharon) Stone of Round Rock, Texas; his brother-in-law, Dale (Patricia) Arnold of Imboden, Arkansas as well as a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Aunt Ethel LaBranche and her husband, Nick of Dallas, Texas and an aunt, Kay Borland of Virginia.
He was predeceased by his parents, Stone and Nancy; sister-in law, Lynnette Arnold and sister and brother-in -law, Connie and Clay Courville.
Special thanks to the EC Barton Company for their unfailing support from diagnosis. An extremely special thanks goes to Bryan Tucker and the members of the Barton's IT Department. Your support and kindnesses went above and beyond the scope of just being co-workers. You became family.
His body will be cremated and a memorial service will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on August 27, 2022 at the Fairfield Bay Marina. To honor his memory, he would like for everyone to wear Hawaiian shirts to this gathering or make a donation to the ALS Foundation.
He also wanted to remind everyone to watch for motorcycles on the roadways and to always remember that 'Life is Good'.
Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may send to ALS in Wonderland, 11610 Pleasant Ridge Road, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72223 or an ALS related foundation of their choice.
To express online condolences, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.
Known you since high school. You were a cool dude back then as I'm sure you were throughout your life. My condolences to your wife, children and family.
God bless.
God rest your soul & keep your family in His loving Arms
B at peace Ronald. Prayers to your beautiful family
I grew up on Evelyn Ave., not far from the "Rolling Stones". Remember them quite well. So sorry to hear of Ronald's passing, yet I'm not surprised to read about his zest for life and his attitude toward family. They were a tight-knit bunch. My heartfelt condolences.
Having known Ronald since 3rd or 4th grade (he and I could not remember which grade), his life has been an adventure. He was always involved in a project and loved to tinker, fix, or build things. He was a happy child from a loving family and made the best of what was given to him. High school had its challenges but he moved on and out from his hometown to Baton Rouge. There he found a new job and a new wife. Thankfully that marriage ended quickly. He then met Anne which ended up being a life changing experience for him and the true love of his life. During that time he and Anne moved to 2 different states (I think), began an extension of their love by having 3 blessed daughters, and finally settling down for retirement in Arkansas. When he moved away from Baton Rouge our friendship waned, but one good thing came out of this heartless and cruel disease, a renewal of our friendship. Every phone call Ronald was ALWAYS happy to hear from me, so positive, and an inspiration until the very end. He carried his heavy cross with dignity and without complaints. He focused on the positives which included his attractive wife as he would say, his beautiful and loving children, and his afternoon cocktails. I told him more than once that he was earning his wings and without a doubt a remarkable and beautiful angel story occurred the day he died. In all the years we have been friends and throughout our adventures we NEVER had a disagreement or an argument which speaks volumes about Ronald. He was truly a friend to look up to, a friend in word and deed, and a best friend who will be missed!!! I love ya man!
Sorry for your lost ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™,I grew up with the stones when i was young wish i could have seen him and kept in touch with all pf them,rest in peace Ronald Stone
I am so very sorry to the Stone family on the passing of Ronald. My prayers to all you !
Anne, my deepest condolences for the loss of RJ. While distance and and time separated our families you, RJ , Raymond, Sharon, and the rest of your and our extended family always remained in our thoughts and prayers. I know there aren’t words to truly comfort you at this time, but I hope you can find it for now in the love of your family and friends. As the days turn into weeks, and the weeks to months and years, please find solace in the loving memories of RJ and the knowledge that he hasn’t gone to far from you; he still lives in the hearts and lives of your children. While his presence in this world was shorter than we wanted, it will continue to reverberate through you, them, and the lives he touched for generations to come. All our love and deepest sympathies.
Sorry for your loss of your best friend-husband. You were blessed to have found RJ 34 years ago. Your friend then your husband and father of your daughters. I know you will be the strength your girls will cling to as they grieve the loss of their great daddy. Cling to your girls for comfort during your time of grief. Your faith will be your blessing during these very difficult days ahead. Joy will come back to you in due time. Until then cling to the precious memories you made with the person who became the other half of you. Take one day at a time. I love you friend.
I worked with R.J. at Family Dollar. He was a very special person. He always had a smile and a positive outlook on life. He was a joy to work with. I've often wondered where he had moved to and how he and the family were doing. He's especially been on my mind the last few months. I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband a couple years ago. Praying for peace and comfort. I found I had to take one breath at a time, then one minute at a time. Eventually... one day at a time.
Anne,
So very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. I am praying for you and your family! Message me when you are ready to talk or if I can help you in any way!
Dear Anne, I’m so sorry for your loss. It won’t be easy, I’m sure. But I do know that eventually God will give you joy again, a different kind. When everyone goes home after days or weeks of visits, please go to the book of Isaiah, 43rd chapter. It’s such a
Comfort and has pulled me through some pretty tough times. We will be praying for you to regain your strength through this period of grief. Love you. Steve and Regina Clay.
I am so sorry for RJ's passing.
My prayers are with Ann the girls and friends.
May the Lord comfort you as only he can.
For some time now motorcycle rides cessed but the memory of shared rides are emortalized as long as my mind and photos last.
No one had a greater adventurous spirit.
His character can be described by many wonderful traits but his directness and kindness to all stand out in my memory.
May God bless his family in his stead until their meeting again.
Mr. RJ was a one of a kind guy, for certain. He never failed to make me laugh, and him and his family were there for me in some rough times in my life. I’m sorry to hear of his passing, and pray for comfort and peace in yalls difficult time. Please, reach out if there’s anything I can do.
May his life be an inspiration, & his memory be a blessing. May he rest in peace. Anne, my condolences to you & your girls.
KJ, on behalf of the Thomas family and I, we would like to extend prayer, peace and love to your family! KJ was are a wonderful friend to me since we met at the Courthouse! Since then we had a blooming friendship and I consider you as a dear sister of mine!
These days ahead will be tough and make you feel empty from my past experience but hold on tight to your memories and talk about him often!
Although I was not bless you have met your father in person but his spirit and charming personality is within you! He was in fact a great father because his daughter is living proof of his love and teachings!
I love you sis and praying for you all
Ieshia Thomas and Family
Oh Ann, I’m so sorry for the loss of your best friend and husband. He sounds like he was everything to you and the girls. May God give you comfort during these next weeks and months. Love and hugs always. DebbieRose
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll be praying for you and your family in the coming days. May God give you peace and comfort.
I'm deeply sorry for this loss, but know you're blessed with loving memories.
I have so many fond memories of RJ as we worked together for Family Dollar. Not only was he a great business partner but a good friend. No matter what he had a smile that would take away anything that was bothering you. His Life is Good motto has always stayed with me. Ann I wish you the best you had a great husband and you were very good for him as well.
Our prayers are with you, Anne, and your family.
Love and Blessing to Anne and the family.
Praying for you, Anne, and your family for strength and comfort. Sending love, Lisa
Anne and family, we are so sorry to hear of RJ’s passing. Our prayers, thoughts and love are with you during this difficult time.
Henry, Freda and Paula
So sorry for your loss, your in my prayers.
Anne,
My sincere condolences to you and your children. What an amazing man your husband very obviously was. What a wonderful tribute you gave to him. God’s Peace be yours.
Sincerely,
Kathy Brewster
(Wanda’s cousin💙)
My heart breaks for Anne and the girls. Please be know I have been and will continue to have wonderful thoughts about RJ.
Anne, I am so sorry for your loss.
I am praying for you and your family.
Love and prayers to you all. Shirley
Best tribute to RJ,I have ever seen.Only met him once but feel like I know him after his obituary.So sorry he had to go thru the terrible ordeal of ALS.Sending love to Anne and his family
RJ
was such a light! It was such a honor to know him!
Anne and family,
May God’s comfort and blessings be with you all.
RJ, we never met but I know you were a good guy! Anne wouldn't settle for just anybody! The Lord blessed you with a wonderful spouse and three loving daughters. May you rest in peace.