Hugh Stone

With full hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Hugh W. Stone, Sr., on June 12, 2025.

The youngest of four children, Hugh was born to Noah John and Alma Leathers Stone on September 27, 1934, in Atlanta, GA. He lived a life of integrity, public service, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to his family, his faith, and the people of North Georgia.

Hugh, along with the love of his life Rebecca and children, moved to Blairsville, GA in August of 1975. His family joined Blairsville United Methodist Church, now the First United Methodist Church of Union County. Hugh joined the law practice of Woody Woodside.

Hugh attended North GA College (now University of North Georgia) and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation. He served two years active duty at Aberdeen Proving Ground and Japan prior to enrolling in Emory University Law School. He served 19 years in the Reserve retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Prior to moving to Blairsville, he practiced law with his father and as a sole practitioner in Atlanta, GA.

Hugh was active in our community in the Kiwanis Club, the Historical Society, and he was a charter member the Rotary Club of Union County, and a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce assisting in the organization and serving as an officer and director. He also represented governmental bodies and public utilities while in private practice.

In August of 1992, Hugh was appointed by Governor Zell Miller as a Judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia and Chief Judge of the newly formed Enotah Judicial Circuit comprised of Union, Towns, White and Lumpkin counties. He served as Chief Judge until his retirement on December 31, 2005. At the time of his appointment to the bench, Superior Court Judges also served as Juvenile Court Judges until legislation created a separate Juvenile Court for each county on October 1, 2000. While serving in his capacity as Chief Superior Court Judge, Judge Stone facilitated the development and creation of many programs that serve our community to this day. With the help of the Lumpkin County Family Connection, Judge Stone created the CASA Program for the entire Enotah Judicial

Circuit; he served as Administrative Judge for Georgia’s 9th Judicial Administrative District and was instrumental in the development of the 9th Judicial Administrative District Office of Dispute Resolution mediation program which serves 14 counties and all levels of court; Judge Stone was pivotal in obtaining an additional Superior Court Judge seat for the Enotah Circuit in 2005 through his effort as a member of the Judicial Council of Georgia. Judge Stone served as the Judicial Member of the Georgia Superior Court Clerk’s Cooperative Authority and had the honor of sitting as a member of the Supreme Court of Georgia for an absent Justice.

After his retirement in 2005, he continued to serve as a Senior Superior Court Judge throughout North Georgia until he presided over his final jury trial in Union County in 2015.

Hugh (better known as Pop Pop) was deeply devoted to his family. He was also a long-suffering Georgia Tech fan in a house full of DAWGS, and wore his white and gold hat in quiet defiance and good humor. He is survived by his son, William Stone (Cindy), of Blue Ridge; and daughter, Beth Stone Hand (David), of Blairsville; grandchildren Will Stone (Katy), Zach Stone (Emily), Carolyne Stone, Chloe Fitzpatrick (Adain), Case Hand, Cora Clemmons, Hailey Hand, and Chance Stone. He also leaves behind one great-grandchild Charlotte Stone. Many other relatives and friends also survive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Union County Activity Center (MAC).