1937
Ronnie
2024
Ronnie Stone
January 8, 1937 — March 10, 2024
He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann Stone, his adoring daughter Ronda Locke, his precious granddaughters Stacy Hinkle, Mandy Locke and Amber Ragsdale (Milton) and his cherished great grandchildren, Madison Heller, AJ Hinkle and Clay Ragsdale.
Ron was a proud Veteran. He graduated from Emma Sansom High School in 1955 and was accepted into the US Air Force Reserves. He then enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1957 and honorably and proudly served until he retired as a Staff Sargent. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Georgia State University.
Anyone who knew Ron knows how much he loved his family. In 1957 he married his high school sweetheart, Sandra. Together for 35 years they enjoyed a full life of travel and adventure, raised their daughter and welcomed 3 grandchildren before Sandra passed away in 1992. In 1993 he met and married his beloved second wife Jo Ann and for 30 years, together they traveled the world, had numerous adventures and enjoyed full a life with their daughter and granddaughters and their 3 great grandchildren. Ron loved his family fiercely. He was our protector, our mentor, our guiding light. One of the greatest lessons he taught us was “when family needs you, you show up” and he led by example. He was a man of faith; he loved the Lord, and he knew where he would spend eternity. He taught us about life. How to turn a dream into an achievement, love into guidance, and faith into hope. How to reach beyond the stars and live life to the fullest!
Ron was a lifelong supporter of the University of Alabama. He was a Tide Pride member from its inception. He traveled the country following his beloved Tide and was able to experience many Championships from Bryant to Saban during his lifetime. It didn’t matter what time of year it was; Ron would proudly greet you with a Big Roll Tide!
Ron had an esteemed career that most people could only dream of. Spanning 6 decades, he worked for Redstone Arsenal on the Saturn 5 project, McDonnell Douglas, Lockheed Corporation on the C5 A, the world's largest airplane at the time, Georgia Power and Alabama Power where he was Director of Corporate Training. After retirement in 1994 from Alabama Power, he launched a new career in Executive Level Corporate Training Consulting where he went on to become one of the most recognized and accomplished authorities on training measurement and improvement Internationally. It was during this time when he Authored and Co-Authored 5 published books still used today. He traveled the world from Dubai to Beijing, Hong Kong, Australia, Africa, Thailand and more teaching and making lifelong friends and colleagues everywhere he went. His client list included Pepsi Co., Genentech, Hong Kong Jockey Club, Toyota and Chrysler amongst other multinational Corporations. Working until the end, he worked with American Village in Alabaster where he was honored and excited to be a part of planning the upcoming United States Semi quincentennial celebrations that will occur in 2026 and Presented at a seminar with The University of Alabama.
Ron was passionate about mental health and veteran’s affairs. During the final years of his life, he worked tirelessly with NAMI Alabama and served as a board member working to expand access to healthcare and counseling. He also worked with his beloved Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge where he proudly served as The Exalted Ruler during the final year of his life and continued his work for Veterans causes.
He was an amazing Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Poppy and Great Poppy. A great leader, a loyal friend, a trusted advisor, a man of honor who always stayed true to his word. He was an artist, an author, a poet, a singer, a dancer, a dreamer, a traveler, an Alabama football fanatic, and when he sang Elvis songs you would swear Elvis must still be alive. What else can you say about Ronnie Drew Stone? He was the Best. Simply the Best.
The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses of St Vincents Hospital Emergency Care, 7th floor, MICU, and Stepdown 4th floor, who provided outstanding care and concern for Ron and his family.
In leu of flowers the family is requesting donations be sent to:
Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge
Morgan Park Rd
Pelham, AL 35124
Attention: Ron Stone Memorial Fund
Donations will benefit NAMI and Veterans Causes
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ronnie Stone, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Public Viewing
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens
Funeral Service
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens
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