Willie Walton "Bill" Stone, Jr.

Willie Walton Stone, Jr. “Bill” or “Pawpaw”, age 85, of Ocean Springs, MS, passed away on Monday, Sept 16, 2024.

Willie was born on September 7, 1939 in Abilene, TX to Willie Walton Stone, Sr. and Cathryn Marzolf Stone.

Willie, the most selfless, thoughtful, kind, generous and loving person, made this world a better place just by having him in it. He was a simple man who appreciated the little things in life and never asked for a thing, but rather gave all that he had to make his family members and friends feel loved and appreciated. He served in the Army and worked as an oil rig foreman and diesel mechanic for over 30 years. Amidst working many hours, he managed to raise his five children with love and acceptance. He wanted to stay busy after retiring and he did this by helping to raise his grandchildren because, in his words, “you want to feel useful when you get old”. He was his kids’ and grandkids’ best friend and confidante, and if anyone who knew him needed a listening ear, sound advice, unconditional love, a helping hand or a friendly face, he was always there. He always made time for the ones he loved and never failed to show them his understanding and unwavering smile. He was slow to anger and quick to reach out to anyone in need. He gave of himself each and every day without complaint or expectation. 

Willie was preceded in death by his father, Willie Walton Stone, Sr.; mother, Cathryn Marzolf Stone; and youngest Son, Troy Stone.

Survivors include his children, Kathy Ward of Amarillo, TX, Richard Stone (Cindy) of Maysville, OK, Shelley Perigo (Jeff) of Purcell, OK, and Billie Jones (Casey) of Granberry, TX; grandchildren, Chalie Lofton (Curtis) of Stratford, OK, Ryan Stone (Whitney) of McKinney, TX, Zack Stone of Maysville, OK, Mikayla Stone (Collen Bouchillon) of Ocean Springs, MS, Abigail Stone of Ocean Springs, MS, Shyla Stone (Alex Darby) of Ocean Springs, MS, Danielle Elliott (Brandon) of Norman, OK, Ashley Blanchard (Jake) of Purcell, OK, Michael Perigo (Megan) of Oklahoma City, OK, McKenna Brown (John) of Amarillo, TX, Gus Ward (Tal), John Ray (Rachael) of Sanford, NC, Shania Kilcrease (Jordan) of Stephenville, TX, Katie Ray-Granbury of TX, and Zane Jones-Granbury of TX; great-grandchildren, Cord & Colt Lofton, Coen Stone, Braylon Bouchillon, Kiki, Bryligh, Brayligh & Jaxon Blanchard, Joel & Ariya Kilcrease, Leo & Bronx Ray, Nicholas Ray, and Alayna Ortega.

Willie “Pawpaw” strongly believed that not all family is “related” and he loved and claimed them as his own. These family members include, Tara Stone (Michael Chance) of Ocean Springs, MS, Wesley Calloway (Theresa) of Gulfport, MS, Jennifer Vieira (Russell) of Ocean Springs, MS, Ethan Vieira (Hanna) of Ocean Springs, MS, Kai Vieira of Ocean Springs, MS, Jane May (Earl) of Billings, MT, Chris May of Billings, MT, Cassandra Mahana (Kyhler) of Billings, MT, Kaitlyn Shaw and Michael Powell of Billings, MT, Jody Powell of Billings, MT, Judy Huckeby of Forsyth, MT, Dennis Alexander, Jr. of Ocean Springs, MS, Dennis Alexander, Sr. (Mary) of Gulfport, MS, Shane Newcomb (Donna) of Poplarville, MS, Leah Dawn Newcomb (Raymond) of Poplarville, MS, Tiffany Cain (Thomas) of AL, and Harry Penton of Gulfport, MS. He also had many friends throughout his life. 

We will miss you dearly, Pawpaw, but know that you are free of pain in your version of heaven talking to Jesus, fishing with your son and father, sitting on the tree swing with Granny, having a glass of sweet tea with Tanny and Horst and hugging your sweet mother again. 

Until we see you again….we will look for you in the clouds. 

A memorial service and celebration of Willie’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 1:00pm at 10346 Lake Forest Drive, Ocean Springs, MS. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Willie Stone.