William Henry Stone

William Henry Stone of Oakland, Tennessee died Sunday, September 28, 2025. Born June 5, 1939, in Welch, WV, his family moved to Big Stone Gap, Virginia when he and his younger brother were in grammar school. Bill graduated from Big Stone Gap High School in 1959. He went to Clinch Valley College and later attended night school in Florida while working full-time. He started his airline career with Southern Airways as a baggage handler, and through several mergers (Republic Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines), moved his way into upper management where he retired from Delta after a total of 38 years.

He was an accomplished musician whose skills on the cornet earned him Virginia All –State Band honors. Bill was the only high school member of The Southlanders, a well-known southwestern Virginia men’ s singing group of the 50’s and ‘60’s. Accordingly, the caption under his photo in his high school yearbook was “Always in tune with life.”

Bill was an ardent worker who even drove a school bus, pumped gas, worked at Pet Dairy, and served as a volunteer firefighter while still in high school. After 4 years of serving in the Air Force, he took evening college courses while working full-time.

He was a skilled “fix-it man” who readily offered his skills and technological savvy to help anyone who needed his help, and he used his creative woodworking talents to make many gifts. He was happiest when he was needed by friends or family to help with any kind of project.

He was predeceased by his parents, Bonnie and Henry Stone; his brother, Rodney “Dickey” Stone; his brother- and sisters-in-law, Bob Barker, Sue Midkiff Barker, and Jane Draper Stone; his mother-in-law, Juanita Murphy Midkiff; and his wife of 55 years, Jane Midkiff Stone. Surviving him are three daughters: Tracy Stone (Jim Jesse), Kelley Stone Warnick, and Scottie Stone Garner (Tim); five grandchildren, Will Jesse, Travis Warnick (Molly), M. Warnick, B.K. Stewart (Race), and Christopher Salemi; one great-grandchild, Hudson Scott Salemi; and nephew Todd Stone.

A humble man who quietly lived his faith, Bill loved good music, his dogs, any good dad joke, and his many friends and extended family, a love that was mutual. He adored beyond words his three daughters: Tracy, Kelley, and Scottie; and Jane, the love of his life, for whom he uncomplainingly and unceasingly cared during her battle with terminable cancer. This troubled world needs more Bills, but he has made heaven a more joyful place.

Funeral service is Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM with visitation starting at 1:00 PM, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119.

Interment is Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM sharp at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Rd., Memphis, TN 38125.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tunica Humane Society www.tunicahumanesociety.com