Roy Mitchell Stone, 85, of Alapaha, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. He was born on May 17, 1941, to Hazel and Doris Stone. He was a lifelong resident of Alapaha, a place he loved deeply and proudly called home.

Roy served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1961-1967 while also beginning his career with the Georgia Department of Transportation as a civil engineer. He retired in 1992, after a long and dedicated career.

Roy’s greatest joy of his life was his family and the land he called home. He was a hardworking and genuinely good man who loved tending to his land and animals. He had a special gift for growing things—if he kicked the dirt, dropped a seed, something was bound to grow. He planted gardens, cared meticulously for his yard, and took great pride in making his little piece of the world beautiful. He loved the outdoors in all its forms. He loved watching his cows in the field, fishing and dove hunting. One of his favorite places was rocking on his front porch with an ice cream cone in hand while talking with his family or simply watching the sunset.

Roy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and his wife, Lavonya, were married on September 17, 1961, and were just weeks away from celebrating their 65th anniversary. Roy was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Raymond Stone; and his son, Mitch Stone.

He is survived by his wife, Lavonya Cribb Stone; his son, Mike Stone (Pam); his grandchildren, Megan Hulsey (Jody), Laura Miller (Josh), Landon Stone, Halie Richardson (Troy), and Willis Lott (Sarah); and his great-grandchildren, Gavin Hulsey, Guinevere Miller, Lincoln O'Brien, Waylon Lott, Selah Lott, and Colt Lott. His great grandson, Porter Miller, is due to arrive in December; brother, Lamar Stone (Kitty); his sister-in-law, Marilee Stone; and many nieces and nephews.

Though his front porch chair now sits empty, the life Roy built—and the love and wisdom he shared—will live on through the generations who knew him lovingly as husband, Daddy, and Papa. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Tiftarea and Cypress Pond Senior Living for the compassionate care and love they provided.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11 AM in the Mt Paron Primitive Baptist Church with Rev. J.W. Dukes III officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Paron cemetery. Visitation will be in the church one hour prior to the service.