Mr. Bethel Leon Stone

Bethel Leon Stone age 73, of Chickamauga, Georgia, went to be with the Lord on July 16, 2026. He was a cherished husband, father and Pawpaw whose wisdom, craftsmanship and warmth will be deeply missed. Leon was born on August 21, 1952, in Wildwood, Georgia, to the late Bethel L. and Dorothy L. Stone. Leon and his wife Barbara built a beautiful life on expansive land just outside of Chickamauga. They filled their property with a lush garden of fresh vegetables, colorful flowers, sweeping meadows, and an abundance of animals. Leon proudly served in the United States Army from 1972 to 1974, including time stationed in Korea. He was honorably discharged as a Private First Class, and his service was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He worked for over 50 years as a carpenter in the North Georgia and Chattanooga area. His proudest work includes building the Calvary Gardens Cemetery and Mausoleum in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. He also put in years of work at his son’s home in Chickamauga, where Leon’s memory is cemented forever in rooms, the porch and the shed. Leon had a natural understanding of how things worked, and there wasn't a problem he couldn't fix. His loved ones will miss having him just a phone call away. Outside of his work, Leon loved to tinker in his garage and work on old vehicles. He helped tend to his family's garden, chasing off deer and crafting one-of-a-kind scarecrows that were often as spooky to people as they were to the animals. Those who knew Leon best will always remember his insatiable love for sweets of any kind, cakes, candy, and watermelon with a dash of salt. Suppers with Leon weren't complete without his wife Barbara's pinto beans and cornbread, a meal he enjoyed nearly every day. He was deeply proud of his two granddaughters and loved spending time with them over Sunday lunches and walks around the pond and garden. In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his three brothers Maxie, Tommy and Terry, and his sister Marzella Klemann. Leon is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Stone of Chickamauga, Georgia; their children Jamison Stone (Amy) of Rock Spring, Georgia, and Amanda Stone of Chickamauga, Georgia; and his beloved grandchildren, Augusta Stone (Chapel Fowler) of Greenville, South Carolina and Blakely Stone-Latta (Seth) of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by sisters Melissa Pope of Chickamauga, Georgia, Connie Parker of Lafayette, Georgia, and Glenda Stone of Chickamauga, Georgia. He leaves behind a special friend, Marissa Williams of Sevierville, Tennessee. Leon is also remembered by many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss him. Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday at Wilson Funeral Home in Chickamauga from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held Monday at 10 a.m. in Chickamauga Cemetery with Pastor: Steve Camp officiating. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes – Chickamauga, Georgia. Online register book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Bethel Leon Stone

August 21, 1952 - July 16, 2026