John Charles Stapleton, age 69, of 1227 Callie Mines Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Friday, February 10, 2017 at his residence. He was born March 10, 1947 in Pulaski County, Virginia to the late George R. Stapleton and June Clevinger Stapleton. He worked for the Iron Workers Union Local 28 and was owner/operator of the Outdoor Peoples Store in Clifton Forge for 12 years. John enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and building. He was known for his hunting and fishing articles in the local newspaper. John was a veteran of the United States Navy. From John, II: “A friend of mine sent me a text yesterday saying, my dad was one of a kind and never depended on anybody. I think that pretty much sums him up. The man could tell jokes all day and never tell the same one twice. He could do long division and multiply in thousands in his head before I could do it on a calculator. He always loved what he did and took pride in whatever he was doing. Whether it was his time in the Navy, or helping out with the Jaycees, writing hunting and fishing articles for the local paper, running Big Brother Construction, or The Outdoor People store, building an underground house or an ironwork job with his beloved Local 697, he took pride in it. When I was growing up I always thought he looked like Hulk Hogan. He would twirl his mustache and crouch down contemplating his next move. He always seemed larger than life to me and to say I wanted to be just like him would be an understatement. He was certainly my hero growing up. Was he perfect? No, but I think he tried to teach me, in his own way, everything he thought I would need in life. He always called me Vern, who knows why, but every time I hear that name, I'll think of him and smile. Love ya, Pop!” In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Clayton Scott Stapleton and a sister, Constance Shumate. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Margaret W. Stapleton of Clifton Forge; a son, John Stapleton II and wife Jasmine of Clifton Forge; two sisters, Karen Posten of Fairfield and Kathy Turner and husband John of Buckhannon, West Virginia; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Stapleton of Covington. In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Nicely Funeral Home in Clifton Forge is handling the arrangements.