Renaldo D. Stone

Renaldo Donell Stone, 60, of Rockford, passed away Monday, November 29, 2022, unexpectedly.  He was born February 03, 1962, in Titusville, FL, the son, of Edward Stone and Caretha (Harvey) (Stone) Collins. 

Renaldo attended West High School, Morehouse College and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science.  He attended Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church and served on numerous committees. 

Renaldo Stone established Collins & Stone Funeral Home Inc in 1999 along with his mother, Caretha Collins.  "Built on Faith, Committed to Excellent Service" is the principle on which the family-owned business stands.  

Renaldo enjoyed playing golf in his spare time, helping others, attending various church services, and collecting cars.   He loved to dress, and his jewelry was a staple.  He also had a quiet sense of humor and loved to laugh.  

At a very early age, founder Renaldo had a vision. He would teasingly say to his loving mother, sisters, and any family members who would listen, “one day, I’m going to build my own funeral home.”

Owning and operating his own funeral home was a childhood dream.  As an aggressive, goal-oriented, and hardworking teenager, Renaldo knew that the opportunity given to work at his father’s funeral home (STONE FUNERAL HOME) on the weekends would help him realize his dream.

STONES' responsibility was to stay at the funeral home and do whatever was needed. He gained invaluable information and took pride in the rolling stock, which led to his love of cars.  

He would receive an insurmountable amount of knowledge and experience about funeral service from his father over the years before moving to Rockford, IL, where he studied under the late founding owner, Carl E. Ponds & Roebuck Funeral Home.   Everyone was eager to take STONE under their wings because they liked him, his gentle spirit, and his willingness to work and learn.  He promised his mentors that he would not open up his own business until several years after their passing.  

He always had an entrepreneurial spirit.  He operated his own limo service for many years, which allowed him to come in contact with celebrities often.  The limo service also allowed Renaldo to chauffeur family (that came to visit) to Chicago to see the sights, which he delighted in.  His limousine service took him to many places, and he was able to pick up miscellaneous items he thought he might be able to use in his future funeral home. 

Sometimes it was a stretcher for pick-ups, a flower stand, used chairs, or a casket bier. If it needed a minor repair, “no problem.”  Eventually, he knew he would use all the items he stored in his mother's garage. His dream was going to become a reality one day.

Renaldo eventually retired from Rock River Ford but never from the limousine service.  Renaldo held steadfast and immovable and finally established his own funeral home at age 37.  

After locating his site (3993 West State St, now located at 128 S 5th Street, downtown Rockford), before going to City Council to discuss zoning, he and his mother canvass the town, knocking on doors to see if the community would welcome a funeral home in the area.  

The survey was favorable, and the dream was realized; Collins & Stone Funeral Home, Inc.  It all started as a small dream and the faith of a mustard seed.  He enjoyed helping families daily, along with his sister Brandy, until his untimely demise.  HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. 

He worked tirelessly to become a great father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, owner, and friend.  He took pride in funeral home ownership, leading funerals, and being a great Pa Pa.  

Renaldo is survived by his children, Chasity (Luke) Shufford, Chaundra, and Zekari Stone; his grandchildren, Paul, Daileigh, Zyla, and Hunter; mother, Caretha (Oliver) Collins; siblings, Oletha (Joel Taylor) Collins, Brandy (Mitchell) Collins-Wimbush and nephew, Kaden Taylor; bonus children, Rakeem, Dominque, Akela, and Mikevion.

He was predeceased by his father, grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life will be held at 12 noon Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church 3000 Rural St Rockford.  A funeral will occur at 12 noon Friday, December 16, 2022, at St. James A.M.E. Church, 625 Dummitt Ave, Titusville, Florida. 

Arrangements completed by Collins & Stone Funeral Home 128 S Fifth St and Stone Funeral Home 516 W King St Cocoa, FL.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.