Stoneking began his engineering career by receiving his B.S. degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1965, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from he University of Illinois, in 1969, all in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. Following faculty appointments at the University of Illinois, Clarkson University and the University of South Carolina, he joined the University of Tennessee Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics in 1975. While a professor, he was awarded the College’s Outstanding Research Award in 1978 and 1980, and was named IBM Professor in 1981, a chair he held until his administrative appointment. He was appointed head of the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics Department in 1984. In 1993, Stoneking was named Dean of Engineering.

He was a registered professional engineer and an active participant in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Society for Engineering Education and the National Society of Professional Engineers, where he served as vice-president. He was also a member of the National Transportation Research Center, the Oak Ridge Center for Manufacturing Technology, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership, the Tennessee Center for Research and Development and the Tau Beta Pi Editorial Board. Stoneking was nationally recognized for his research accomplishments in computational mechanics, particularly activities related to ultra-high precision machining technology.

Stoneking was a visionary leader with the courage to change the prevailing culture to help the college reach its full potential. He interacted on a national level with other leaders in engineering education and with many corporate leaders in developing partnerships for the University and for the placement of its graduates. He was very concerned about the individual welfare and professional progress of his students. His involvement with students and student organizations was one of dedication and loyalty.

During his tenure as dean, Stoneking was the architect and driving force behind the Engage Freshman Engineering Fundamentals Program. It has won national renown, including recognition by the National Science Foundation, as one of the best and most innovative engineering education programs in the nation. At the college’s annual Engineering Honors Banquet in April 2002, the Engage program was officially renamed in Stoneking’s honor, reflecting the passionate commitment and advocacy he contributed that has made the Engage program such a success. He also led a move to increase the professionalism of the students, and his work in this area resulted in an increase in their exam scores to 16% above the national average.

Stoneking died unexpectedly in November 2001.