Stone has had a long and illustrious career that has spanned more than 60 years, beginning with a journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. While at OU he served as assistant sports editor for the 13,000 circulation daily campus newspaper, and rose to be campus correspondent for the Associated Press.
While still in school he worked at the Daily Times in Maryville. He eventually was named editor, and is a vice president in the corporate organization. Stone is completing his 63rd year with the paper.
Stone has twice served as president of the Tennessee Associated Press Managing Editors Association. He has also been active in the national levels of the organization. He is a 50-year member of the Professional Photographers of America, and in 1997 he was recognized as a distinguished alumni by the University of Oklahoma College of Communications. Mr. Stone is also a life member of the Society of Professional Journalists, formerly known as Sigma Delta Chi.
Mr. Stone wrote a newspaper handbook, Newspapers: Making the Most of the News Department, which is used as an operating manual by newspapwers across the country.
In 2007 Mr. Stone was honored by the East Tennessee Historical Society with its first Professional Achievement Award for his on-going preservation of local history.
In addition to his journalistic accomplishments, Mr. Stone has also been recognized for his numerous community service activities.
He co-founded the Jaycee Empty Pantry Fund, which annually raises more than $100-thousand to provide nearly 15-hundred food baskets for the needy at Christmas. In addition, he founded the Maryville-Alcoa Jaycee Classic, a high school basketball tournament, which has raised more than $100,000 for youth projects.
Stone is currently serving as the chairman of the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains Park Commission, is a member of the Tennessee Historical Commission, and the Southeastern Regional Council of the National Parks Conservation Association.
Stone has received the Minuteman Award, the highest award of the Tennessee Air National Guard, and in 2003 was presented the Tennessee Outstanding Achievement Award for service on state commissions. In 2006 he was recognized for his community service with a joint state senate and house resolution.
Stone has distinguished himself by outstanding service to the profession of journalism, and has brought great honor to himself, his community and the State of Tennessee.
