On April 29, 2022, William (Bill) James Stone Jr., loving husband, brother, father, and friend, passed away at the age of 61.

Bill was born in Cortland, N.Y., to William and Joanne Stone. He received his BS in mathematics from the College of St. Rose in Albany, N.Y., and later earned his MBA in administration and organizational development from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.

Bill had a successful, diverse career, beginning as a high school math teacher, became an actuary for top insurance companies, and later transitioned into human resources and healthcare compensation. He retired in April 2016 as the chief human resource officer for both St. Francis Hospitals in Memphis, Tenn.

He served on the Mid-South Regional Board of Directors for the YMCA, as president of The Greater Lexington Newcomers Club, treasurer of the Rockbridge Baths Community Organization, and as vice president of the Rockbridge Baths Volunteer Fire Department.

Bill married Peggy Ann Dalton in August 1984. They had two beautiful children, Frances Kay Stone, born 1987, and William James Stone III, born 1989. Following their divorce in 1994, Bill and Peggy continued a dedicated partnership raising their children together with strong family love.

Bill married Magistrate Judge Joe Little in August 2013 with the love and support of their families. In 2016, Bill and Joe retired and moved from Memphis, Tenn., to Rockbridge Baths, where they built a log home on the Little family's ancestral farm.

Bill joined various organizations within the community and combined his love of entertainment and cooking - hosting dinner parties, card games, AirBnB guests, and his niece's wedding. He became a beloved member of the Rockbridge Baths community and his love of the community led him to join the fire department and become a National Registry EMT, expanding his ability to serve the community. Bill was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and compassionate spirit.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William James Stone Sr.

He is survived by his spous,e Joe, mother Joanne, his sisters, Patricia, Anne, and Holly, his children, Frances and William III, the mother of his children, Peggy, as well as cousins, nephews, and a niece.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 5 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Rockbridge Baths at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the firehouse.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rockbridge Baths Volunteer Fire Department (RBVFD) in honor of Bill Stone. Donations may be sent to P. O. Box 85, Rockbridge Baths, VA 24473.

The family also expresses their immense gratitude to Rockbridge Area Hospice.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.