Thomas Leroy Stone

Thomas Leroy Stone, 84, of Olive Branch, MS, died at home on September 11, 2024. After losing his wife of 66 years in January of this year, they are now joyfully reunited in Heaven. Born in Saltillo, MS on October 29, 1939 to Jake and Louise Stone, Leroy was the perfect 19th birthday gift to his mother. As a child raised in poverty, he quickly learned the importance and value of family, responsibility, humility, perseverance, and hard work. These remained important to him throughout his life. Leroy met his best friend and life-long sweetheart Mary when he was 16 years old while working as an usher at the Malco movie theater (now the Orpheum Theater). He always said he knew she was his one and only love the very first time he saw her. The two were married a year later in 1957 and shared 66 beautiful years together. To say that Leroy was a good man is a gross understatement. He was a man of integrity with an enormous heart and a great sense of humor. While he understood the value of a dollar and the importance of saving, he was extremely generous with money. He also freely shared his time, knowledge, and possessions. He always gave selflessly to his family, friends, and strangers without a second thought or ever expecting something in return. Having served in the Army, he was proud to be an American and taught his children the value of patriotism. Leroy was an avid lover of good food, classic cars, Alabama football, growing his own vegetables, and a well-fitted hat. He was a member of Longview Heights Baptist Church for 42 years. He is a born-again Christian and is reunited in Heaven with the love of his life as well as his son, daughter, parents, and sister. He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. A celebration of Leroy’s life will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 10:00am with visitation beginning at 9:00am at Brantley Funeral Home, 6875 Cockrum St. Olive Branch, Ms 38654. Burial will follow at Autumn Woods Cemetery.