Professional Profile
Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC)

“To thine own self be true,” is just one of many lines that have resonated with readers of William Shakespeare. While you might not hear GFC Ranger 1 John Stone quoting lots of “Hamlet,” clearly he embraces the sentiment of the master bard’s famous phrase.

 

“In 1994, I started out as a Ranger 1 in Coweta and then Meriwether counties,” said Stone. “I moved up to Chief Ranger in Heard County from there, but decided I was happiest as a Ranger 1 and came back to Meriwether four years ago.”

 

Stone’s roots are clearly most comfortable in red Georgia clay. Born in Newnan, and raised on his grandfather’s sprawling farm, he gained an early appreciation for camping, fishing and hunting. He and his brother and cousins could often be found exploring the woods and landing the occasional “big game” of squirrel.

 

“I was a typical country boy,” said Stone. “I always enjoyed being outside.”

 

After graduating from Newnan High School, Stone attended West Georgia College and studied Geology. His first full time job was in a Palmetto lumber yard. From there he accepted an opportunity to join Coca-Cola Bottling Company, working as an Area Sales Manager for 17 years. Eventually, however, the call of the land was too loud to ignore.

 

“I saw an advertisement for the Forest Ranger job,” he remembered. “I was tired of driving around Atlanta, and so I ‘went for it.’”

 

Stone enjoyed the variety of jobs assigned a Ranger 1, from plowing fire breaks to maintaining and repairing equipment. And while a promotion to Chief Ranger seemed like the logical move, after five years and a heart attack scare, he knew he had to get back on the ground.

 

“I decided I didn’t need the stress,” he said. “I’m in good health now, working in a great Unit, and doing everything I enjoy.”     

 

Besides his variety of Ranger 1 duties, Stone helps with many of the construction and carpentry chores at the Newnan District office. He has helped build furniture for several GFC offices. In addition, he teaches classes in chain saw operation within the GFC and to other state agencies.

 

Stone’s love of the outdoors is reflected in his off time as well. He has a passion for hiking, and can often be spotted on the Pine Mountain Trail. He estimates he’s logged more than 6,000 hiking miles, which include many through the mountains of North Carolina and on the Appalachian Trail.

 

John and his wife, Dorothy, also enjoy their “20-acre hobby farm,” where they relax with two dogs, four cats, and raise rabbits and chickens. They also grow flowers and tend their vegetable gardens where tomatoes, corn, squash, beans, and melons thrive.

 

When asked if he and his wife enjoy traveling on vacation, Stone shared a secret about his time off.

 

“We’ll tell people we’re gone,” he said, “but then we just lock the gate and turn off the telephone and stay home. We just love it right here.”

by Stasia Kelly, GFC Writer



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