Dalton, Georgia - It is with great sadness, but with hope in Christ, that we announce the passing of Mr. Gary Stone, age 72, of Dalton, Georgia, who entered into the arms of his Savior on Sunday morning, April 27, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 1, 1952, to Bobby and Thelma Stone, Gary lived a life marked by deep faith, unwavering love for his family, and a strong work ethic. On May 8, 1970, he married the love of his life, Nina (Bailey) Stone, and together they built a beautiful life centered on love, family, and faith. This May, they would have celebrated 55 wonderful years of marriage.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He found joy in simple pleasures — fishing, cheering on his favorite NASCAR drivers, watching old westerns, and most of all, spending precious time with his family. He dedicated his entire career to the carpet industry in Dalton and Chatsworth, working faithfully until his retirement in 2015. He was a proud 1969 graduate of North Whitfield High School.

A man of strong Christian faith, Gary was a longtime member of Liberty Baptist Church and more recently attended Holly Creek Baptist Church until his health declined. His faith was a guiding light in his life, and he leaves a lasting legacy of love, kindness, and devotion.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Nina Stone; his children and their spouses, Brandon and Adrian Stone, and Bridgette and Larry Johnson; his cherished grandchildren, Zeb Stone, Tad Stone, Katherine Stone, Braylon Johnson, Brinkley Johnson, and Brecklyn Johnson; and his sister, Judy Ellison; several nieces and nephews; and his little terrier, Lucy, who he rescued. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby and Thelma Stone; his in-laws, Cleo and Estelle Bailey; his sister, Brenda Crow; and brother-in-law, Richard Ellison; several nieces and nephews

A service to celebrate Gary's life will be held on Friday afternoon, May 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with Reverend James Smith, Reverend Scott Crow, and Dr. Danny Cochran officiating. Gary will be laid to rest at Liberty Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Langston, Dwight Wells, Bobby Voyles, David Baggett, Allen Crow, and Bill Jones. Honorary pallbearers include Eric Ellison, Matthew Crow, and Jeremy Duke.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and again on Friday after 10:00 a.m. until the service hour.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721 - (706) 226-4002. Your Selected Independent Funeral Home.