A Tribute to Vernon Wayne Stone
I made this photo of Wayne in October, 1999. In the background stands what remains of the old two-story Stone Home.
I made this photo of Wayne in October, 1999. In the background stands what remains of the old two-story Stone Home.
.......Once more I find myself, through a wash of tears, writing a tribute to a departed loved-one. What can I say? I have spoken the words for many folks over the years at the occassion of their funerals including the graveside rites for Wayne's sister and my beloved cousin Carol. Each time has been a different experience and it has never been easy as I am not one who can hide behind the facade of a formal funeral. I have been involved emotionally with each person.
.........Before I talk anymore about memories, let me share this scripture that I use in nearly all of my funerals To me, it is the most uplifting and encouraging scripture that I know.
And we know that in all things God works for the Good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God be for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare His own Son, but gave him up for us all---how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has Chosen? It is God who justifies.
Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died---more than that, who was raised to life---is at the right had of God and is also interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution of famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written:
For your sake
we face death all day long;
we are considered
as sheep to be slaughtered
No, in all theses things we are more than Conquerors through him that loved us
For I am convinced that neither life nor death, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, neither anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
........Although we were together a lot when Vernon's family lived at Dunbar, I believe that the "golden age" of our conpanionship began in the summer of 1953. My sister Imelda married in August, and, following the wedding, my mom and I spent a week with Uncle Vernon's family on the farm. Vernon had been working in Columbus, but his lungs had collapsed and he had had to move back to the farm. Mom and I came down to Mason County on the Sunday of the Rockcastle Church Homecoming. This was the first of a number summers spent on the Stone farm and it was a time of glorious togetherness for us children although they were years of hardtimes for Uncle Vernon and Aunt Ethel. To tell of these times would take a separate page which may be coming in the future.
........In 1959 we moved to Greenbrier County and Vernon and family went to Columbus. Our Childhood years were over but never forgotten. It would be years later that we would get together again when Wayne showed up unexpectedly at our home in Greenbrier County. It had been way too long.
........I know that Wayne loved Toots, his children, and his grandchildren. Like so many of the Stones, Wayne loved his work. But he also loved to have a good time. He loved to laugh and to tell stories. He loved to talk about our loved ones who have gone on and of times gone by. Tough times? You had better believe there were some. Good times? Many times yes. If asked, I don't mind telling about some of our times together as children. There are some of these times that were just ours together and preciously private.
This photo was made probably by my mother at the King Home at Dunbar.
.......We were children, the three of us, who were uncontaminated by the things that the world does to children today. We were innocent and then some. I can say without selfrighteousness that, in a time when the term "good people" meant something, we were from people to whom that term would apply. Neither we nor our parents were perfect, but we were from a time when one's conscience guided or restrained what we did.
.......I have to admit that my grief is not just for Wayne. It is for our generation, for our parent's generation, and for myself. Of Uncle Vernon's family, all of the first two generations are gone. With Wayne's too soon passing, it is as if a chapter in life has been closed. Perhaps it would be closer to the truth to say that it is as if a sudden violent wind has slammed shut the book as you were reading it. It is that pure grief that is like a hand has reached down whithin you and has ripped your heart.
.......Through the grief, there comes the knowledge that to have known and have shared in the lives of Uncle Vernon, Aunt Ethel, Carol, and Wayne has been a blessing from God. As long as I have breath in this body and a mind that is at least somewhat clear, they will not be forgotten. And, if my humble writings survive for the coming generations, their lives will never cease to be. Wayne, Toots said to me that you "Thought a lot of me." I "thought a lot of you" also, and... I still do. Goodby my friend. I miss you and will continue to miss you. May we soon stand and say, "Death where is thy sting? Death where is thy victory?"
I made this photo in the spring of 1995 at the Stone Cemetery at the burying of Uncle/Cousin John Sayre.
