William "Bill" Stone, Jr. was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 22, 1947, to the late William and Claire (Gates) Stone, Sr. He peacefully passed away on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Bill was the oldest of five siblings and was preceded in death by his brothers Allen and Nate, and sister Brenda.

A proud graduate of Bok High School in 1965, Bill went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force. From 1966 to 1968, he served as an aircraft maintainer during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge, Bill returned home and continued his education, always carrying with him the words of his father: "Education is the key to success. Keep your eyes on the prize." In 1973, he earned a B.S. in Industrial Education from Cheyney University.

Bill's teaching career began in Camden, New Jersey, where he worked as a middle school vocational education teacher from 1973 to 1979. It was during this time that he met Hiromi C. Patterson. They were married from 1976 until 2003, and together they had three children: Shayla (deceased), William Christopher, and Elizabeth.

While Bill was passionate about education, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to a successful career in sales. He briefly worked with New York Life Insurance Co. before joining Master Chemical Corporation in 1983. Bill rose to become the district manager, the first African American to hold this role. During his tenure, he earned his MBA from Eastern University and retired in 2003.

After retiring, Bill remained dedicated to helping others succeed. He founded Stone & Associates, LLC, a consulting firm where he advised small businesses, and he also served as an advisor for Emerging and Public Companies at IPA Advisory & Intermediary Services. Bill was also an adjunct professor at Peirce College, where he shared his business expertise with the next generation.

A strong advocate for his community, Bill served on the board of directors of the Wynnfield Residents Association and was an active member of the Historical Committee. He was honored with the "Man of the Year" award by the Church of St. Andrew and St. Monica for his outstanding civic contributions. His kind and generous spirit was felt by many, often summed up by his famous four words: "Do you need anything?"

Bill was also a devoted Scoutmaster, proudly leading Troop 688 of Boy Scouts of America alongside his brother Nathan, where his son Christopher and nephew Rendell were members.

A man of deep wisdom and unwavering resilience, Bill lived his life guided by his favorite scripture, Proverbs 4:7: "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding." His personal motto, "Find a way or make one, but never give up," was a reflection of his unyielding determination. Bill passed this spirit on to those around him, especially his siblings, children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, constantly encouraging them to face life's challenges with perseverance, strength, strategy and integrity.

On October 31, 2024, Bill accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart.

An avid golfer, Bill passed on his love for the sport to his daughter Elizabeth and grandson Maxwell. He had an enduring passion for learning, with a deep appreciation for poetry and literature, especially the classics, Sherlock Holmes, and the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Bill also had a passion for cooking, perfecting nearly 20 "secret" recipes. He loved exploring all types of museums and historical institutions. He was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the Thailand-Laos-Cambodia Brotherhood, and the American Legion.

Bill is survived by his children, William Christopher and Rev. Elizabeth Parchment, as well as his grandchildren, Maxwell Parchment, Marina Williams, Grayson Parchment and Emory Stone, his sister Barbara Ann Ivory and brother-in-law Robert Luis Ivory and many extended family and friends who will remember him for his unwavering support, leadership, wisdom, and teaching spirit.