Russell Durwood Stone

Russell “Durwood” Stone, Jr., 84, of Ashland, Virginia, passed away on December 27, 2019. Durwood was preceded in death by his parents, Russell D. Stone, Sr. and Mary “Mamie” Virginia Hoehns, of Laurel, Virginia, and his wife, Janet Tiller Stone. He is survived by a wife, Mary Hogan Stone, a sister, Gertrude “Trudy” Stone Moolenaar of Richmond, three children: Laurie Eldridge and her husband Randy of Ashland, Russell D. “Russ” Stone, III of Glen Allen, and Temple Stone Joyce and her husband Hugh of Montpelier, 5 grandchildren, Rusty, Brooks, and T.C. Stone, and Andy and Ben Joyce, and 3 great-grandchildren, Piper, Brynn, and Russell Stone. He is also survived by Mary’s son, Chuck, and 2 step-grandsons, Chad and Trent, as well as nieces and nephews. After graduating from Hermitage High School in 1953, Durwood enlisted in the US Marine Corps and was stationed at 29 Palms in southern California. He married Cecil “Janet” Tiller in 1955. After his discharge, they returned to Virginia and lived for a while with his parents until they built their first home in Laurel. Initially, he worked for the RF&P railroad while he established his business as a wholesale greenhouse grower. He was very successful in the greenhouse business and well-respected by his business associates and competitors, some of whom became life-long friends. Durwood loved sailing and was quite good at it. He and Janet sailed for many years around the Chesapeake Bay and the east coast. Janet and Durwood built their home in Ashland in 1977 where they enjoyed frequent gatherings of family and friends. Janet passed away in 1996, and in 1998, Durwood married Mary Jane Hogan. They joined First Baptist Church in Ashland where they made several friends. Mary and Durwood shared a passion for gardening, and they enjoyed working in their vegetable and flower gardens. Mary was devoted to Durwood, and as his health declined, she provided loving care and support until he passed away. A visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2019 at Nelsen Funeral Home, 412 South Washington Highway, Ashland, Virginia. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2019 at First Baptist Church, 800 Thompson Street, Ashland, Virginia. Internment will immediately follow at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1214 Wilmer Avenue, Richmond, Virginia. Newspaper: