THOMASVILLE —

 

Barbara Gail Stock passed away Sunday, January 13, 2013 at Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, GA after a courageous battle with cancer. Gail was born on April 5, 1937 to George Thomas Shaw and Laura Lee Butler Shaw in Talladega, Alabama. Both of her parents preceded her in death, as well as her brother, Jewel Anthony "Sonny" Shaw. She was a graduate of Talladega High School. Her first job was as a weaver at Bemis Bag Company, from there she began her career in retail, working textile women’s apparel under the tutelage of Louise Houston Sewell at the Diana Shop on the square in downtown Talladega. It was during this time she met her Prince Charming, friend and future husband of over 42 years, James J. "Jim" Stock. She married Jim and moved to Vero Beach, FL, where she continued her career at Anthony’s Women’s Clothing. From Vero Beach she transferred to Ft. Lauderdale, FL to continue her career as a buyer and manager.  In 1975 she moved to Thomasville, GA with her family; it was then that she purchased Van Ritch, a women’s fine clothing store in Dothan, AL. She and Jim owned and operated this store for several years, commuting from Thomasville. Following that, they became local business owners in Thomasville, GA, where the store Grumpy Granny's still bears her name. After retirement, Gail became a docent at Pebble Hill Plantation, a position from which she derived tremendous joy and made many wonderful friends.  She loved life and was an excellent companion to her husband, a superb mother to her children, and she adored spoiling her beloved grandchildren. She was a member of the Thomasville Cocoon Club and enjoyed spending time with them, whether dining at The Plaza or cruising on the seas. Gail is survived by her husband, Jim Stock; sons: George Phillips (Robin) of Fairfield, CT., Eric Phillips (Holly) of Tallahassee, FL; daughters: Angie Baggett (Kent) of Thomasville, GA, and Tara Hill (Jim) of Pavo, GA; and her grandchildren: Cameron, Michael, Lindsey, Sara, and Abby Phillips of Fairfield, CT; Hannah and Eli Phillips of Tallahassee, FL; Stuart (US Army) and Brent Baggett of Thomasville, GA; Colter and Arrington Hill of Pavo, GA. In honor of her wishes, her family will scatter her ashes at the places she loved: Thomasville, GA, Talladega, AL, and St. George Island, FL.  She was the heart of our family and her cheerful, loving presence will be greatly missed until we are all reunited in the Promised Land. "I love you the whole world."  Memorial Services will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013, 11:00am at the First Baptist Church Chapel. Flowers may be sent to the church or donations may be made to the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society in honor of Gail Stock. Guests may also sign the online register at www.whiddonshiverfuneralhome.com. — Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home