Harry Clinton Stone

Harry Clinton Stone, 83, was born in St. Augustine, Florida, October 4, 1924 to Harry McKinley Stone and Greta Reding Stone. He worked at his father’s dairy as a boy, and joined the Florida Guard as a teenager during World War II. When he came of age, he served his country during the war as a Merchant Marine engineer on a merchant ship carrying bombs and mail to Europe. He was honorably discharged as an officer at the end of the war. He served his country again as a Naval officer during the Korean conflict. Mr. Stone held engineering degrees from the Merchant Marine Academy, Vanderbilt University and the University of Florida. Mr. Stone was a design and development engineer at the K25 gaseous diffusion plant where he served as principal researcher on the enormously successful uranium enrichment system for nuclear installations (Union Carbide Nuclear Corporation), Oakridge, Tennessee, 1954-58; Chief Metal Parts Inspector Rocket Program for first manned space flights (Thiokol Chemical Corporation) Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama (1958-1963); Brunswick, Georgia (1963-1965); Plant Engineer, Johns Manville Pipe Plant, Green Cove Springs, FL (1965-1970); County Engineer Clay County, Florida (1970-1973); owner, H.C. Stone Engineering (1973-1989); Senior Engineer, Stone, Jocha and Mahoney Engineers until retirement (1989-1991). Mr. Stone was a resident member of the Board of Directors of Penney Retirement Community, and was an advisor to the St. Augustine Technical Center, was a life patron member of the Clay County Fair Association, was a Gideon, a Mason, and a Rotarian. Mr. Stone taught adult Sunday School for decades and was a faithful Christian and a life-long Methodist. In 1992, he was honored by the Jacksonville District as the Methodist Layperson of the year. Near the end of his life, Mr. Stone wrote, “Looking back I think the Lord was at the helm, guiding my life. I could not have envisioned a more interesting and fulfilling life. I would like to emphasize that I believe the Lord deserves the credit.” He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathryn Foxworth Stone, three children, Harry James (Melinda) Stone, Lewis Wayne (Sandra) Stone, and Janice Stone (Thomas) Leimberger; eight grandchildren, Kevin (Shannon) Stone, Raymond Stone, Alice Stone, Andrew Stone, Kathryn Leimberger (Chance) Neeld, Grace Leimberger, Sara Leimberger, Hope Leimberger, and one Great grandson Benjamin Stone. Mr. Stone is survived by one brother, Richard (Nita) Stone. The family is so grateful for the kind and loving services to Clinton and Kathryn by Dr. Bryner, the Hospice professionals and the staff of The Pavillion at Penny Retirement Community. Thank you for caring and for your excellent service. Mr. Stone was a wise, loving, Godly man who cannot be replaced. He currently resides with his Lord. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at the Penney Memorial Church with Reverend Don Scofield officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257 or the Penney Retirement Community for Residents Aid, P.O. Box 555, Penney Farms, FL 32079. Please sign the family’s online register book at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.