1943-2026
Lawrence Harley “Larry” Stone, age 82, of Pine Bluff, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, a day of sacrifice, faith, and the enduring promise of resurrection.
Larry was born on October 23, 1943 in Pine Bluff to Lauree and Jack Thomas Stone. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1961 where he proudly played football for the Pine Bluff Zebras and was President of the A Cappella Choir.
He attended the University of Arkansas where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He later transferred to the University of Arkansas at Monticello and graduated with a degree in accounting. After college he joined the Army Reserve where he was awarded the certificate of Outstanding Trainee, an honor given to one individual among more than 600 in his training cycle. On September 15, 1962, Larry married the love of his life, Jan Palmer, whom he adored, of Pine Bluff.
He was employed by the Cotton Belt-Southern Pacific Railroad, retiring in 1995. Larry was a life-long member of the First Methodist Church. In 2010 he, alongside the church team, built the first church sponsored Habitat for Humanity House in Pine Bluff.
Larry was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather who loved his family dearly. His legacy lives on in all who had the privilege of standing by his side for an early morning duck hunt and listening to his legendary call. His sometimes “embellished” stories will leave a lasting impact and smile on our faces and the many memorable summertime fish fries full of laughter, love, crappie and Jan’s famous corn-fritters! He loved nothing more than mounting ducks for someone special, calling in that very first gobbler for many and last, but not least, his treasured hunts with Heath and Lauri.
“Bop,” especially enjoyed creating memories with each of his four grandchildren, all of whom were eager to watch and learn from the very best. He touched numerous lives and truly cherished his many wonderful life-long friendships.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Jan Palmer Stone; his children Lauri Stone Allison (Will), and Heath Palmer Stone (Heather); grandsons, William Phillips Allison, Jr. (Maddy), Collier Hastings Allison, Hayden Palmer Stone and Harbour Wellons Stone; his brothers, Colonel Jack Thomas Stone, Jr. (USAF, retired) (Zella) and Ronald Edward Stone; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Larry is also survived by a group of very dear friends sharing in countless memories made through the places and trips he loved… Bearhouse Hunting Club, Catfish Point, the infamous Red Fishing trips, Missouri hunts, Cornerstone Farms, and Long Pond Access, where he is commonly known as, “The Legend.”
In honor of “Rocky”, enjoy the beauty of ducks flying through the trees on a cold clear morning; listen to a turkey gobble on a mountainside; go fishing and gather your family and friends and enjoy the catch of the day.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at First Methodist Church, 200 W. 6th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 71601, with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to First Methodist Church of Pine Bluff; or Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Slot 661, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72202.
