Larry D. Stone

Year Inducted: 2017

Larry D. Stone graduated from Wilkes Central High School and while attending Wilkes Community College, began his career at Lowe’s Companies in 1969. Stone rose through the Lowe’s ranks from the mailroom to credit management, sales and store management to key leadership positions. During his 42 year tenure, Stone held positions in credit, sales, store management, regional management and in the corporate of ce where he served in executives positions for over 22 years. He was selected to attend the Executive Management Development Program at Harvard Business School and graduated in 1995. Stone served as an Executive Vice President in various roles for Lowe’s from 1995 until 2006. He was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer in 2006 and served in this position until his retirement in 2011. Stone was also Chairman of the Lowe’s Charitable and Education Foundation for over 12 years.

Stone received the North Carolina’s Longleaf Pine Award from Governor Beverly Perdue in 2011. Also, he received an Honorary Alumni Award from Appalachian State University where he served as a member of the ASU Foundation Board of Directors. He has served as the vice chairman of the property management committee for ASU and as a vice chairman for the University’s Athletics Feasibility Committee, which recommended that Appalachian pursue membership in the NCAA Football Bowl subdivision. Larry Stone’s passion for Wilkes County has been evident in his support for the entire community. He and his wife, Diane, have assumed leadership roles and made significant financial contributions through The Stone Foundation to benefit The Health Foundation, Samaritan’s Purse, Wilkes Family YMCA, The Wilkes County Heritage Museum, Yadkin River Greenway Council, United Way, Wilkes Community College, Wilkes Regional Medical Center and many more organizations.

It was through Stone’s leadership that the Wilkes County Board of Education and Wilkes County Schools were able to purchase and remodel its current central office location on Cherry Street, where the Stone Family Center for Performing Arts exists and is used by many organizations. The Stones have funded scholarships for students through the Larry and Diane Stone Scholarship Program, New Century Scholarship Program and have supported Wilkes Vision 20/20 Graduation Partnership program and the Wilkes Education Foundation. Stone currently serves on the Board of Directors for Novant Health, Dick’s Sporting Goods, At Home Décor Stores and on the local board for Wells Fargo Bank. He serves as a Trustee and Vice Chairman of the Board for Wilkes Community College and served on the Chamber of Commerce Board for over 20 years in Cary and North Wilkesboro. Also, Stone served on the Board of the Wilkes County Homebuilders, Wilkes United Way and served six years in the National Guard in Wilkes County. Stone has received the Chairman’s Award from the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, The Rotary Club Citizen of the Year award and was inducted into the Home Center Hall of Fame in 2011. Stone is the son of Irene M. Stone and late Clyde D. Stone of North Wilkesboro. He is married to the former Diane Adams and they have two sons, Larry Jr. and Dr. Chris Stone and three grandsons.