Charles Richard Stone

June 6, 1933 - May 5, 2009
Charles Richard Stone

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Charles (Dick) Richard Stone, Sr, 75, died suddenly on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Plantation Village, where he had been a resident since 2008. His devoted and loving wife, Leanne Anderson Stone preceded him to the Lord five years earlier, and his faithful dog, Topper, preceded him two years earlier.

Dick is survived by a sister, Norma (Stone) Briner and husband Bill in Cincinnati, Ohio; son Charles R. Stone, Jr., and wife Trish of Wilmington, NC; daughter Carol L. Stone, and husband Steve Johnson of Burlington, CT; son Edward A. Stone, and wife Ann of Bernardsville, NJ; son Thomas D. Stone, and wife Karen, of Round Hill, VA; and eleven grandchildren.

Born in Berea, Ohio on June 7, 1933, and the son of two teachers, Hilda and Charles Stone, Dick attended high school in Poland, Ohio, and earned a bachelors degree in business administration from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1955. After serving in the Air Force through its ROTC program, Dick started his business career selling Crest toothpaste as a door-to-door salesman. Four children, six moves, and 35 years later, Dick culminated his career as a corporate executive officer, having worked at Proctor & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, American Cyanamid, American Sterilizer, Squibb, and Lederle Laboratories. He achieved each career success with modesty, character, and unwavering respect for his employees.

At the age of 58, Dick and Lee retired to Hampstead, NC, where, despite the lure of relaxing and peaceful days on the beach, Dick decided to start a business. He and Leanne invested their retirement savings into an AlphaGraphics franchise in Wilmington, NC, and, together with his oldest son, Chuck, grew the business into a successful and established company. The business continues to operate as All Ways Graphics, serving the greater Wilmington community.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday May 23, 2009 at Sea Lawn Memorial Park, in Hampstead, NC.

Instead of flowers, please send contributions in his name to the American Cancer Society.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1553 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


Purchase Flowers

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • May 29, 2009
    Carrie Taabet says:
    It took me about a year to really get to know Dick. Once I did, I realized he was a good guy with a refreshing honesty. For 7 yrs.I enjoyed joking with him that I was a slacker at work. Dick welcomed the jokes. My thoughts go out to the loved ones he left behind. I hope that Dick is at peace with his loved ones also passed. Carrie Taabet

  • May 09, 2009
    Susanne Ludt Ewald says:
    One gift above all others God gives to us to treasure One that knows no time, no place And one gold cannot measure The preciouos, poignant tenders Gifts of memory that will keep Our dear ones ever in our hearts Althought God give them sleep It brings back long remembered things A song, a word, a smile And the worlds a better place Because we had Dick with us for a while. Having said that Dick, now for the lighter side of life! All the "fun times" that went with the "after the games" on the bus returning home. Our fun time together growing up and the parties at Diehl Lake, dances and class reunions that will never be forgotten. We'll miss your great smile, but know that your pain free. Memories are forever! Children and Norma----May LOVE bring you Comfort and Time bring you Peace. With Love to Each, Susanne Ludt Ewald

  • May 11, 2009
    Eileen O'Sullivan-Hill says:
    Dick was like a second dad to me. I learned more from him in the almost 5 years that I worked for him than I did in my entire 5 years in college! He would always joke that I "majored in Alphagraphics and minored in finance" (that's what I was studying at UNCW). He and Lee both were very special to me and will be missed tremendously.

  • May 08, 2009
    Chuck Stone says:
    It was very special to leave my corporate career after 15 years to work with father to grow a new business together. Dick was not only a great father but a great business partner. Although I will miss him very much, I will never forget him and the valuable lessons he taught me about life and business. Love, Chuck

  • May 10, 2009
    Frank Casiere says:
    Dear Family and Friends of Dick: It has been a decade since I've seen or spoken to Dick but the few years I knew him socially and professionally I had great respect for him and liked him as a good man and friend. I was very saddened to see the notice in the obituary today and it darkened my my mood the entire day; I suspect his passing will continue to weigh on me for quite a while. This world needs more people like Dick: genuine, sincere, honest and with a sense of humor. May his spirit live for all eternity in peace with God. Your friend, Frank