It seems as tragedy surrounds us as we deal with a virus that has killed close to 180,000 people, social unrest made ever more tragic by senseless killing. You wonder what can possibly happen next. Sadly, we learned what other sadness can befall us.
On Tuesday Matthew Ashby Stone, 21 was killed in an accident. Matthew was the son of Sam and Kerrie Stone. We are sure that many you may know Sam of Stone’s Office Equipment, a dealer in Richmond, VA. that carries Sharp and Lexmark products.
From what we were able to learn Matthew was a devout Baptist and his faith was important to him. He loved to quote his favorite passages from the Bible. Sam and Kerrie Stone not only loved him as a son but admired him as a very special person. We quote her comments from Matthew’s obituary.
“Our sweet Matt taught us many lessons in his short years. He had unique health challenges and learning differences in this life, and he battled the obstacles. It took him a bit longer to accomplish his goals, but he never gave up and always persevered. He never let the struggles define him.”
In addition to his parents Matthew leaves a brother Carson, a sister Libbie, and grandparents, Frank and Sally Stone and Ashby and Peggy Tinsley. A host of aunts and uncles also share in this sorrowful family tragedy.
What comes home in the obituary is that Matthew loved his church and all his church family. He was happy and eager to volunteer his time there and always willing to share his faith with others.
One of the things that I learned in a Catholic University was that in life we forge a cup and that it is filled upon your death. The greater the good you do the larger the cup. When you meet your maker that cup is filled. Based on what has been said about Matthew he built a huge receptacle at a very young age.
In many ways our industry emulates a large tribe in that what sorrowful thing befalls one of us touches all of us. Next time you feel the need to pray think of Sam and Kerrie and ask God to comfort them and their family.
Those of us who know Sam express our deepest condolences for their terrible loss. For those that are so inclined, memorial contributions can be made to two of Matt’s favorite places: Berea Baptist Church, P.O. Box 280, Rockville, Va. 23146 or The Riverside School, 2110 McRae Road, North Chesterfield, Va. 23235.
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