Robert L. Stone Jr.

Robert Lafayette “Bubba” Stone, Jr. departed this life on July 17, 2012 and entered into our Lord’s heavenly kingdom. Known to his friends as “Bubba,” to his grandchildren as “Pappy,” and great-grandchildren as “Happy,” he will be remembered for his quick wit, compassion, honesty, and strong work ethic. More importantly, he will be missed as a loyal friend, husband, father, and grandfather who was always a source of joy and laughter, no matter the situation.

Bubba was born on May 13, 1924, in Jackson, MS to Willie and Robert L. Stone, Sr. He was an avid fisherman and sports fan all his life, having grown up in Jackson and graduated from Central High School in 1942. He attended Millsaps College for one semester before enlisting in the Navy in January of 1943. After the war ended, he returned to Jackson and married Doris Shinn in 1947. At this time, he enrolled at the University of Mississippi from which he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order at both Millsaps College and Ole Miss. He began a long career in the casualty insurance business, eventually becoming a partner in Boyles, Moak and Stone Insurance Agency. He retired from that agency as a partner, but continued to service some accounts of his clients until he retired completely in January 2011.

Bubba was known for his compassion, honesty, and strong work ethic in serving others whether they were clients or people in need. After the death of his first wife, Bubba began serving “Meals on Wheels” to the needy in Jackson. He was a charter member of Riverside Independent Methodist Church and was Chairman of the Board of that church numerous times, a long-time member of the University of Mississippi Alumni Association, and an enthusiastic supporter of Ole Miss athletics. In 2006, he married Betsy Jones, and soon began attending First Baptist Church with her where he made many new friends.

Bubba was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Doris, and his 2 sisters. He is survived by his second wife, Betsy Jones Stone; his two daughters Sheryl Chamblee (Steve) and Janet Henderson (Father John Clark); his six grandchildren Stephen Robert Chamblee, Wendie Chamblee Mangum (Robert), Jordan Henderson (Lauri), Sarah Anne Henderson Milnor (Jesse), Nicholas Henderson, and Peter Henderson; and his 5 great-grandchildren Aidan Stone Milnor, Mary Elizabeth Milnor, Miles Mangum, Max Mangum, and Lucas Henderson, as well as several nieces and nephews. He loved his family and was devoted to each and every one of them.

Visitation will be at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home on High Street in Jackson 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 19 and 10-11 a.m. on Friday, July 20. The funeral service will be held in the chapel at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on Friday following visitation. Interment will be at Lakewood Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Little Lighthouse of Mississippi, PO Box 13662, Jackson, MS 39236.