Charles Lamar Stone left this earthly life on November 9, 2024. He was born in Vidalia, Georgia to the late William “Preacher” Stone, Jr. and Pastor Mary L. Stone on October 11, 1944. He spent part of his life in Georgia until his family relocated to Akron, Ohio, during the 1950s.

Charles accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. He was a member of Stone’s Deliverance Evangelical Temple and provided the church community with bus transportation to and from church services.

Charles attended Akron Public Schools and graduated in the class of 1962 from North High School, where he participated in several sports such as basketball, football and track and field. He was the City of Akron’s first athlete to win four events in the city’s championship track meet.

Charles also attended Kent State University. He would go on to serve in the United States Air Force as a Communication Operator. After serving his country for several years, including Vietnam War, he received an honorable discharge.

Charles returned home to be employed by the Firestone Rubber Company. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18. Charles later retired from the Chrysler Corporation.

Charles married Cheryl Marie Bates on May 30, 1968. This union of love lasted for 49 years. Together, they raised their daughter, Tanya Marie. Although Cheryl went home to be with the Lord before him, Charles continued calling out to her until his own passing. Charles loved his grandchildren and cared for them deeply.

Charles was a people person. He was always laughing, joking and calling people “ugly,” while claiming that “he is the pretty one.”

He went by several names, including “The Rock and Chuck.” Charles enjoyed cooking and was known for his hot and spicy foods. He was the owner of Rock’s BBQ, where the meat fell off the bone. Charles also loves participating in the adult intermural baseball league and later became a Peewee football coach. Although living in Cleveland Browns territory, Charles was a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was often seen wearing the black and gold, while driving in his many different models of the Jeep Wrangler.

Charles is proceeded in death by wife, Cheryl Marie Stone; daughter, Tanya Marie Durham; parents, William “Preacher” Stone and Pastor Mary L. Stone; grandparents Grover (Cleo) Williams; William (Martha) Stone Sr; great-grandparents, Kibbie (Nora) Bell; sister, Mary Louise Stone; uncles Zeddie and John Stone; cousins Dale and Jonathan Stone.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted brother Wade (Kim) Stone of Akron, Ohio; sister, Cassandra (Roy) Johnson of Canton, Ohio, grandchildren Tyland Durham, John Battle and Johniyah Battle; niece Maryanne Stone, nephews Andre Stone and Edward Stone, uncle, Carlos Stone, and host of cousins, relatives and friends. Special thanks are extended to sister-in-law Kim Stone, Leonard (Valerie) Jenkins and Foster (Joan) Sparks.

Charles’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the honor of knowing him.