Jody Stone
ROCKLEDGE, Fla.—Elbert E. “Jody” Stone, Jr., a journalist and editor of optical publications who was well-known throughout the eyecare industry, died here Oct. 26 at age 65. The cause of death was a heart attack, his wife, April Stone, told VM.

Born in Martinsville, Va. on June 30, 1946, Stone had a long and productive career as a writer and editor of business-to-business publications, including more than 25 years in the eyecare field. From 1983 to 1990 he served as lead editorial executive at Jobson Publishing. He helped launch Vision Monday as founding editor-in-chief and participated in the expansion of 20/20 magazine with the launch of a pan-European edition.

From 1990 to 1991, Stone worked as editor-in-chief of the Vision Care Group of Gralla Publications which was acquired by Miller Freeman. Stone then co-founded EyeQuest Publications, serving as vice president and editorial director for a bimonthly continuing education magazine for eyecare professionals. He later reported on U.S.-based optical industry events for Breton Communications, which produces vision care trade publication in Canada.

In 1995, he founded The World Wide Eye, a communication and marketing firm for which he served as creative director. Stone also developed continuing education programs and publications for the State University of New York, College of Optometry and the Vision Council of America.

Prior to entering the eyecare field, Stone worked as a reporter and editor for various daily newspapers and business magazines from 1968 to 1983. He held editorial executive positions at Lebhar-Friedman in New York and Publishing Dynamics in Stamford, Conn., and covered diverse fields from paint and wall coverings to art materials to grocery.

Stone also taught writing and communications at the college level, most recently at Brevard Community College in Florida.

In addition to his wife, April, Stone is survived by a daughter, Samantha Stone, and sons Harper Shea Stone and Justin Tig Stone. He is predeceased by his sisters, Theresa and Pricilla, his mother Christine, and his father Elbert E. Stone, Sr. Donations can be made in his name to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.  ■