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Stine Lumber founder, Jackson William Stine, known to many as J.W., died at home surrounded by his family on Dec. 23, 2020 at the age of 102 in Sulphur, Louisiana.
While World War I was still raging in Europe, Jackson William Stine was born on July 22, 1918, to Sulphur residents Andrew Stine and Elma Landry. Stine spent much of his youth boxing and playing football in Sulphur while earning a football scholarship to play for Normal College (today Northwestern State University). He met the love of his life Doris Rita “Dee Dee” Drost at Sulphur High School, and eventually, they wed on Jan. 14, 1944, just before he was sent overseas to fight for his country in World War II.
Stine was a B-26 pilot in the European Theater flying over 40 missions. After returning home from the war, Stine opened a construction company, which would eventually become Stine Lumber, in Sulphur in 1946. Stine Lumber has been in Sulphur for over 74 years and now has 10 locations throughout Louisiana and one in Natchez, Mississippi, employing over 800 associates.
J.W. Stine is survived by seven children and their spouses; 31 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren; and sisters Dorothy Byerly and Gerry McCallum. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris Rita “Dee Dee” Drost and his brother Kyle Kenneth “KK” Stine.
“Gary, Janie, Jay, Dennis, David, Tim and I are saddened to announce that after 102 incredible years, our dear Dad has died,” says Stine’s eldest son Dick Stine. “J.W. Stine was a man of the highest character and integrity, and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for.”
“The entire Stine family will forever be grateful for JW’s life and love, for the compassion of those who have taken care of and prayed for Dad, and for the condolences of our friends and neighbors,” says Dennis Stine, CEO of Stine Lumber.
“In many respects, he lived the American Dream,” says Dennis’ twin brother David Stine. “He married his high school sweetheart and they spent a wonderful 67 years together before her passing in 2011. He was a loving father to seven children, a World War II decorated pilot, an entrepreneur starting a business which would eventually include all six sons and 800 associates. He was a philanthropist giving back in the communities he served. He had a strong faith in God and lived it with humility and gratitude. His legacy lives on through us and all he came in contact with over his many years.”
About Stine
Stine began in Sulphur, Louisiana, in 1946 and now has 11 locations throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. Stine was most recently awarded the 2020 Company of the Year > 100 employees by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry – LABI which recognizes companies’ devotion to their employees, local communities and Louisiana’s future. Stine was awarded the 2018 LBM Journal Entrepreneur of the Year Award which recognizes companies that epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit. Stine was also awarded the 2014 National Golden Hammer Retailer of the Year Award at the National Hardware Show. The award recognizes a retail company that has shown strong performance, embraces industry best practices and holds ambitious plans for the future. Click here to learn more.
