Jay Richard Stone's Obituary
Jay Richard Stone, 81, left heavy hearts with his unexpected passing on May 25th. Jay was one of a kind with a heart of gold. He made everyone feel special, whether he knew them for 5 minutes or 50 years. Jay was born in New York City and grew up in Far Rockaway, Long Island, NY. At the age of 14, Jay and his sister, Roberta, lost their parents within a year of each other. From an early age he developed a strong work ethic, working the night shift in a pharmacy and weekends at a gas station to support himself while living in a boarding house. Jay graduated from Far Rockaway High School where he played the trumpet in the school band. After high school, Jay drove a bus for the Green Line Bus company, then an ambulance to put himself through NYU. After getting his business degree, he served in the army in Germany where he loved to play the trumpet for the troops and received many accolades for his contributions. Professionally, Jay was a legend in the beauty business. His first job in the industry was selling Vita Fluff with his good friend, Mac Miller. They joined forces to create Miller & Stone, where he became a Manufacturer’s Rep. Then he partnered with Bob Jones to form Stone & Jones, subsequently venturing out to start his own company, Jay Stone Sales. His strong work ethic, his genuine interest in people, and his personal demeanor made him the ultimate salesman. Jay instilled all of these qualities to his son, Kendall, who now runs the company. Personally, Jay had a deep love of aviation, attaining his pilot’s license and flying his own plane for many years. He even married a stewardess, Shirlene, the mother of his children. Jay loved being by the pool and travelling to the beach. He also played golf for many years and was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. Jay was the ultimate joke and story teller – he lived to make people laugh. Jay was a great mentor and was often thought of by many as a second father, helping them in both their personal and professional lives. Jay was generous, not only financially, but with his time. He volunteered every Wednesday night for ten years at the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas, taking calls, offering encouragement and support, and undoubtedly saving many lives. Affectionately known as “JJ”, he was a devoted and proud grandfather. He loved spending time with his grandkids, whether it was simply getting ice cream or cheering them on at their sporting events. Jay also loved his dog, Chili, and had great affection for all of his pets over the years. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed time with his friends and family. His personality and optimistic attitude can be summed up by his favorite phrase, “How Sweet It Is.” Jay will be missed by all who knew him. Jay is survived by his eldest daughter, Renee Hopkins, and son-in-law, Todd Hopkins of Denver, Colorado, as well as his son, Kendall Stone, wife Claire, and their children, Parker and Chappel Stone of Dallas, Texas. Jay’s memorial service will be held Friday, June 10, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at the Gateway Church in the main Worship Center, 12123 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas TX 75230. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jay’s honor to the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas (www.sccenter.org) 214-824-7020 or the SPCA of Texas (www.spca.org) (817) 332-4768. The Stone Family would like to extend their sincere thanks to family and friends for the outpouring show of compassion and support to them during this time. Stone Family hotel recommendation: Westin Park Central www.westindallasparkcentral.com/ Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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