SOUTHPORT — Richard Byron “Dick” Stone, 80, passed away Friday, April 3, 2020. He was born April 12, 1939, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Ernest and Louise Stone.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Diane Clayton Stone; son, Richard (Kristin) Stone, and granddaughters, Rebecca, Madison and Jillian; daughter, Michelle (Carl) McCadams, and Carl’s daughter, Emily (Julius) Johnson, and their son, James; Diane’s daughter, April (Scott) Minish, and granddaughter, Brooks; and Diane’s son, Hal Morris.
Dick attended Norfolk Academy, Class of 1957. He received his undergrad from VMI, Class of 1961, and received a master’s degree in Marine Biology from the College of William & Mary. He worked as a marine biologist at NOAA for 30 years; in particular, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), starting in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, then in Beaufort, and finally, in Washington D.C. His area of expertise was marine conservation, and he pioneered the artificial reef programs by NMFS. A few of his colleagues called him “the grandfather of artificial reefs.”
He was a sports enthusiast and incredibly active all his life. Dick grew up water skiing, played football, wrestling, basketball, softball and regularly played golf. He was a baseball and softball coach for his kids and for the community. Dick enjoyed traveling the world and had many opportunities through work as well as personal.
Dick was a happy, kind, generous man who was dedicated to his family and loved by many. He was a parishioner of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Southport, and served several years on the vestry. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Services will be held at a later date.
Contributions may be made to 1st Tee of Coastal Carolina.
Share online condolences with the family at Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service.
