Mr. Richard Stewart Stone, age 71, went home to be with the Lord on June 17th at Community Hospice in Vidalia surrounded by his family. He was a native of Telfair County and husband to Doris Watson Stone. Richard served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years during which time he fought in the Vietnam War. While in the Marine Corps he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. After being honorably discharged Richard began working at Amoco Corporation as Plant Manager. After retiring from Amoco Corporation, Richard focused on serving the Veterans of Jeff Davis County. Richard was the catalyst in the formation of the Jeff Davis County Veterans Association and agreed to serve as president for eight years. During his term as president, Richard was instrumental in the idea, planning and construction of the Jeff Davis County Veterans Memorial located in front of the County Court House. He stepped down from his president position when his illness became too much. Richard was an honorable man that was a servant to his God, his family, his country and his fellow Veterans, he will truly be missed. Richard graduated from Mercer University and retired from Amoco Corporation. Survivors include his wife, Doris W. Stone; sons, Richard Stuart Stone Jr. (Julie), and Michael Lamar Stone (Tracey); one daughter, Tonya Stone Kersey all of Hazlehurst; Grandchildren, Allee Elise and Garrett Stewart Kersey, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Stone, Richard Logan, Gunner Nolan Jackson and Carly LeeAnna Powell; brothers, Charles Stone of McRae; Akridge Stone of Sumpter, SC; sisters, Eunice Clements, of Hazlehurst, Ramal Short of McRae and Sue Hulett of Broxton, GA.; and a "closer than a brother