John Edwin Stone, Jr. "Johnny"

John Edwin Stone, Jr. “Johnny”, 65, of Wilmington, a loving, soft-spoken, patient, kind and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and a friend to many, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 13, 2016.

Known to his family and friends as “Johnny”, he was born in Raleigh on February 21, 1950 to John Edwin Stone, Sr. of Raleigh and Anna Nell Grainger Stone of Tabor City, NC. He was raised in West Raleigh and baptized at Westover Methodist Church. Johnny was the descendent of Governor David Stone from 1808 – 1810, the restored family home is at “Hope Plantation” in Windsor, NC.

Johnny graduated from Needham H. Broughton High School in 1968 and continued his education by graduating from the University of South Carolina in Business Administration in 1972.

After returning to Raleigh in 1972, he began in the Custom Home Building Business with McMillan, Oates and Stone, and later continued on in a partnership with A. Durham Potter, III.

In 1992, Johnny and his family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina as he had always been a passionate boater and loved spending as much time in the Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. In 1992, he founded and became President of The Summit Building Group, Inc., and was one of the first and original members of Porters Neck Country Club. Johnny was known for his integrity, honesty, and gentle mannerisms. He built homes throughout Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and Southeastern North Carolina. He began building exclusively in River Landing Country Club in 1998 with his oldest son, Travis working side by side with him for the last 16 years and has become one of the largest and most respected builders in River Landing. In addition to working with his oldest son, Johnny also consulted with his youngest son Michael, a structural engineer, on many occasions.

Johnny mostly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, boating and sporting events. He was an “avid” Carolina Panthers Football fan as well as following NCSU and the University of South Carolina. He particulary enjoyed vacationing with his family in the Caribbean and US Virgin Islands which he often referred to as “Paradise.”

Johnny is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Clare Cauble Stone of Richmond, VA, their two sons, John “Travis” Stone, 34, and wife, Sarah Farese-Stone, Michael Edwin Stone, 31, and wife, Sarah Margaret Stone and their twin grandsons, Harvey Lawrence (1) and James Bennett (1) of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by a brother, Phillip L. Stone and wife Keely of Zebulon, NC; two sisters, Jeanne Mills and Mary Alice Tipps; nieces Cindy Hartman, Michelle Carter and Andrea Mitchell; nephews, David Mills and wife Susie of Williamsburg, VA, Brian Mitchell and Phillip David Stone; and great-nieces, Anna and Olivia Mitchell; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends. He is also survived by his son’s godmother, Belinda H. Wilkerson and her daughter, Samantha Chambers, an aunt, Jean Dowling, and her son, James Emerald.  

The family would like to express a special note of thanks to Mr. Phil and Dr. Mary B. Rea Poteat, Mr. and Mrs. Rick Batchelor, Mr. and Mrs. James McGee, Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Edgerton, Jon Balkcum, Bruce and Katharine Templeton and Bill and Kathy Rodwell, Sharon Sprouse, Debra Galvin, Lynn Brown and Mrs. Jeri Mercer.

A memorial service will be held 1:30 pm Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Andrews Mortuary Market Chapel in Wilmington.

Many knew Johnny as an easy-going and laid back southern gentleman. With an infectious smile, he was always up-beat and positive about life. Johnny had a way of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable. Honest, full of life, and a loyal husband, dedicated father, playful grandfather, and true friend, he was the foundation and glue for his family. He was deeply loved and will be severely missed.