Bonnie Joe "Jody" Stone

Bonnie Joe Stone, affectionately called Jody by his close family and friends parted this earth on December 23, 2024 at the age of 84, to spend Christmas in heaven this year. His chair at the table was empty. His jokes and jovial personality were sorely missed but we know that he was celebrating Christ' birthday in person, along with loved ones. He was born on March 2, 1940 in McGehee Arkansas, son of the late James "Jack" Carlis Stone and Ruthie Mae Stone. Jody was born and raised in southern rural Arkansas, where hunting and fishing were a way of life. Growing up on a farm, eating out of a garden (his families or his neighbor's watermelon patch) and going to town on horseback or in a horse drawn wagon were all memories he often talked about. Jody was a veteran and served in the Army National Guard. He enlisted at 17 years old, after adding a year to his age to qualify. Early in his career he was a heavy equipment operator and later became a truck driver specializing in transporting hazardous chemicals across country. He continued working in the trucking industry until he was 78 years old. Once he retired, he would do odd jobs driving trucks locally and working with the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office. In his later years, despite his age and physical condition, he was not one to sit around and would drive to visit with family and friends, fishing, hunting or finding mischief to get into. Jody enjoyed picking and joking with everyone, as he never met a stranger. He was an avid gun enthusiast and remained an outdoorsman throughout his life, collecting and trading guns and knives. He also loved collecting old coins and antiques. Watching westerns on television was one of his favorite past times. He could name every actor in countless old films. He and his cat Tori had a love hate relationship and tolerated each other most days. He often spoke of his disappointment when he had to trade in his beloved horse for a car after he married. He joked that it must have been true love. On April 22, 1960 he married the love of his life, Nora Green Stone, whom survived him along with their four children: Randy Jack Stone and his wife, Tina, Rita Stone Guttirrez, Kellie Stone Michelli and her husband Darryl and Tony Stone, all of Louisiana. Jody also leaves behind twelve grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by a sister, Bertie M. Stone McClurg, her husband Arnold and numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his father James "Jack" Carlis Stone, his mother Ruthie Mae Stone, his brother Lee Junior Stone and his son in law Joseph "Joey" Guttirrez. A grave side service will be held on January 2, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in McGehee Cemetery, McGehee, Arkansas. All family and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers the family would greatly appreciate any memories or stories about Jody, which will be cherished for years to come. Please email to rtplus8@gmail.com.