John Manning Stone

John Manning Stone, age 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. He was born on August 21, 1942, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, to Thomas Anderson Stone and Ann Revely May Stone.

From an early age, Manning was known for his competitive spirit and natural athletic ability. At Gray High School in Winston-Salem, he excelled in both basketball and football, earning All-County honors in each sport. His love for basketball carried him to Wingate College on a scholarship and later to the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he continued playing the game he loved.

After college, Manning built a long and successful career in sales, beginning with IBM in Hickory, North Carolina. He later worked for Southern Screw in Statesville and Semblex Corporation before forging his own path as an independent contractor in the metal fastener industry. His work took him across the country, allowing him to live in Dallas, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Greenville, South Carolina; Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina. He eventually retired to Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, before returning home to the Triad, where he deeply appreciated the kindness and watchful care of his neighbors.

Manning took great pride in the relationships he built throughout his career. He valued loyalty and genuine connection, and many professional relationships grew into close friendships that lasted more than 50 years and remained strong until the end of his life.

Though a North Carolinian through and through, Manning was famously devoted to Alabama Crimson Tide football. He delighted in traveling with close friends and family to games in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, as well as to bowl games and stadiums throughout the Southeast. While the games themselves brought him joy, he especially treasured the road trips, shared stories, and lasting memories made along the way.

In 2018, Manning received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas “Bud” Anderson Stone.

Manning leaves behind his two beloved sons, John Zachary Stone (Christy) and Derek Anderson Stone (Kelly); and his five cherished grandchildren, Luke, Tucker, Ansley, Reid, and Camille.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel, with Rev. Daron Osborne officiating. Interment will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.