William "Bill" Stanley
William "Bill" Stanley passed away on Tuesday, September 8, at the age of 91. He leaves behind his wife of 66 years Jane McLaurin, three children (Julia, Dan, and Mary Jane), six grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.
Bill was born on March 4, 1929, in Montgomery, Alabama. He was raised in Marion, North Carolina, and graduated from Marion High School before serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1946 to 1948. Later, he was stationed in North China and Guam while serving in the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division from 1950 to 1954. Following his military service, Bill attended Davidson College, Appalachian State Teachers College (Bachelor's Degree, 1957) and Appalachian State University (Master's Degree, Biology, 1959).
In 1958, he worked as the football coach at Lee Edwards High School. From 1959 to1963, he worked as a football coach and biology teacher at Enka High School and Owen High School. He then served as the Principal and football coach of Brevard High School before transferring to Asheville High School as Principal in 1973. Following a career in education, Bill opened Bill Stanley's Barbeque and Bluegrass restaurant in Asheville in 1979.
In 1988, in his first bid for public office as proud Democrat, Bill was elected to the Buncombe County Board of County Commissioners, a position he held for 24 years. During this time, he served as the Director of the Juvenile Education Center in Swannanoa and was sworn in as the President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners in 1999. Bill was also a member of VFW Post 891 and the Land of the Sky Shrine Club.
Bill retired from public service in 2012 as the longest-serving member in the history of Buncombe County's Board of Commissioners. He enjoyed spending time with his family, all things BBQ and bluegrass, golf, his work with the Shriners, and the company of his many friends and former colleagues.
A private service will be held for his family at the VA Cemetery in Black Mountain. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to the Land of the Sky Shrine Club (39 Spring Cove Rd., Swannanoa, NC) or a charity of your choice
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Stanley...i have many a fond memories of the wonderful food and fun we Marion boys had at his place. Dan, my most sincere sympathy to you and your entire family.
Randy Hunter
Other
May 14, 2022
Coach Stanley was one of my favorite people of all time, he led me through school and at church. May he rest in peace.
Carolyn Russell Abriola
Other
July 10, 2021
A SPECIAL PLACE FOR A SOECIAL MAN ...inHEAVEN..,RIP, BILL!
David. Plyler
Friend
December 14, 2020
Bill Stanley was the principal of Asheville High School when I was there during the 1970s. We hippy kids referred to him as Wild Bill because of his exuberance during pep rallies. I remember him as a great guy who led the school evenhandedly during turbulent times. My condolences to his family.
Dee Standefer Langston
Student
December 13, 2020
Nothing but good memories of the man. In my senior year at AHS ('74) I got wise and skipped a class. He chewed me out good. Believe I had it coming! R.I.P.
Joe Scotchie
Student
November 30, 2020
He was such a great person and mentor a great teacher coach and business person and friend it will be hard to replace someone like him around Asheville remember going to his barbecue place with my mom and dad best place I ever been nice atmosphere food and staff music and watching my dad clog with the Stoney mountain clogging team he was a great military man will be hard to have another person like him hope to see you again bill fly high live well with the lord never forget you bill
Stephen Bailey
Friend
October 11, 2020
Mr Stanley helped me many times in different ways and stood up for me with referrals to my character. When I asked him for help he and his family were there. We love Y'all. Rick & Maureen Winkenwerder. God Bless You!!
Rick Winkenwerder
Friend
September 26, 2020
To our very first wonderful neighbor and friend in Asheville. To his wonderful wife. We will never forget the Kindness of you all. Taking these Yankees under your wings. Our prayers are with all of you.
JACK & ARLENE DOLOBOFF
Friend
September 17, 2020
We have lost one of the greatest men who served all people of mankind❤ His heart was full of love :serving his country, community and loving his family
Sandy Hunter
Friend
September 14, 2020
Fond memories of "Papa Cougar" as AHS Principal, and later on serving the city of Asheville in so many ways. Our family always had much respect and high regard for him. Am sorry for your loss, Mary Jane & family. Continue to keep you all in thoughts and prayers.
David Angell
Friend
September 13, 2020
North Carolina is. Better because you cared!
Dave plyler
Friend
September 12, 2020
Thank you Mr. Stanley for a great high school experience! You were always fair and kind. The Class of ‘79 loves you!
Roberta (Boyd) McCullough
Student
September 11, 2020
Mary Jane, I have fond memories of Mr. Stanley both at Asheville High and at Bill Stanley’s BBQ and blue grass. May God’s grace surround you in your grief. Love you my sweet friend , Sherry Griffin
Sherry Griffin
Friend
September 11, 2020
Rest easy Mr. Bill Stanley. I will remember you very fondly being a member of the AHS class of 1976. You were an awesome & caring principal, affectionately known as "Papa Cougar". Happy we reconnected over Facebook. You have served us well...now you can rest peacefully with the King. Prayers of comfort to the family...
Patricia Baxter
Student
September 11, 2020
....a long-time acquaintance , we send our sincere
sympathy to Jane and the family.
J.T. Davis and family
Acquaintance
September 11, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Debbie Brown
Acquaintance
September 10, 2020
Our clogging team danced at his BBQ restraunt almost every weekend in the 80s. We always had a good time there.
Dawn Rhymer Dills
Friend
September 10, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kymberly Everidge Martin
Friend
September 10, 2020
Mary Jane and Stanley Family...I was blessed to know Bill. His humor support leadership and love for his family will forever remain with all that knew him. Much love and blessing to you all!
Cyndi Massey
Cyndi Massey
Acquaintance
September 10, 2020
Coach Stanley was a major reason I went to App State and became a teacher/coach. God’s Speed, Coach Stanley.
Vince Greene
Student
September 10, 2020
Rest in peace Bill. You will be missed
Bruce Stobe and Jim Medford
Friend
September 10, 2020
Rest in peace Bill, you will be missed
Jim Medford and Bruce Stone
Friend
September 10, 2020
"Coach" and Principal Stanley was at Brevard High School where I was a student. What an example he set for his students. He was a wonderful man and fair to all those he came in contact with. This world will miss a decent human being.
Sandra Rhodes Zeller
Student
September 10, 2020
Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that I feel for the passing of Bill, but please accept my condolences and I will be sure to include him/her in my daily prayers. He was always so good to me.
Jan Sumner
Friend
September 10, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I always dropped by his room while visiting with my father at the veterans home. He always took time to talk to me .
Keith Sherrill
Acquaintance
September 10, 2020
Bill played bluegrass in the 60's 70's 80's and some of the 90's with my uncle John (Bud ) Bailey
RETHA B WHITE
Friend
September 10, 2020
I grew up in Smokey Mountain BBQ as my mom waited tables and I'm grateful to have been tied to you in so many aspects of my life. Mary Jane, Julia, Dan, Blair, and the rest of the family know I'm thinking of you and hugging you from afar. Your dad/granddad always showed up with love. I am grateful you shared him with me and so many others.
Caitlin Sforza
Friend
September 10, 2020
Although Bill Stanley became principal at Asheville High the year after I graduated, I did meet him years later at his restaurant, Bill Stanley's Barbeque and Bluegrass, a place I have lot of good memories in my hometown.
Betty Sullivan
Acquaintance
September 10, 2020
Great FRIEND, He Loved God, Cointry and Family. Will be missed by all. He loved helping people more especially Children
Bob Hunter
Friend
September 10, 2020
He told me "Just put one foot in front of the other and go". His tenacity is the reason I am who I am. No doubt there are countless others, and a collective ~ Thank You ~ will never be enough. RIP Mr. Stanley
SUSAN INGRAM
Student
September 10, 2020
R I P Coach Stanley... Class of 1972
Stan Phillips
Student
September 10, 2020
Thoughts and prayers for the family for their loss. It’s truly an honor to be a friend of such a wonderful family. May Mr. Stanley’s legacy live on and thank you to him and his family for his service to this country and community. He will be missed! God bless.
Ronnie Reese
Friend
September 10, 2020
Sending my thoughts
and prayers to all. May the memories of him stay forever in your hearts.
Debbie Giddens
Friend
September 10, 2020
Was a really great coach, principal and truly will be missed ! Rest In Peace Mr. Stanley Brevard High School Class of 1974 !
Cindy Charles
Friend
September 10, 2020
Rest in peace Bill. You lived a good life.
Beth Shepherd Hines
Student
September 10, 2020
Knew him well as dean of men at Lee Edwards. Paddled my behind on several occasions due to my “wild side antics”. Very fair and always concerned about bettering students. Will be sorely missed on Asheville scene. R.I.P.
Wayne Franklin
Student
September 10, 2020
Bill Stanley was a wonderful principal and loved by all his students over the years. Mary Jane, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Loretta Montgomery
Mary Montgomery
Denise Montgomery Pulley
Loretta Montgomery
Student
September 9, 2020
I grew up in near-Asheville in the 70s and early 80s. My family would frequent the BBQ joint on special occasions. Very fond memories there. Wholesome fun. Our times today could use some of that special sauce. I don't remember the man, but I cherish his legacy. I wish I could have shaken his hand in my adult life for the memories he gave my family in his restaurant.
Scott Lilly
Acquaintance
September 9, 2020
Brevard High school class of 1970. Great coach and principal.
David Carter
Student
September 9, 2020
I remain honored to have known and worked with Bill at the county. I admire his leadership and appreciate his friendship. I pray his family finds peace soon. Rest easy Bill.
Clint Gorman
Coworker
September 9, 2020
I am sorry for your loss. My brother Ralph played football at Enka under him and he thought so much of him that my parents named me Stanley after him. I pray that God will richly bless and comfort you.
Stanley Long
Acquaintance
September 9, 2020
RIP Bill Stanley. Thank you for your service to our country and to our community. I worked with Bill at VFW Post 891.
Deborah Crowder
Friend
September 9, 2020
so sorry to here ..i was in the class of 1974-1976..he will be missed....
david lee black
Student
September 9, 2020
RIP Coach. You had more influence on my adolescent years than you ever knew.
Jerry Buckner
Student
September 9, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Stanley family . Mr Stanley was a fine principal and role model to so many . As a Commissioner , he was always so supportive of Veteran’s needs. He gave so much of his time serving others .
My thoughts and prayers go out to you for your great loss .
Jan Banks
Acquaintance
September 9, 2020
Thank you Mr. Stanley for all that you did for the staff at JEC/SVYDC! RIP!! The world lost a good man!
Jimmy Branch
Coworker
September 9, 2020
To all of the Stanley’s - I am so very sorry for the passing of Bill. I loved him so very much. He would always give me a giant “bear” hug. My condolences to one and all, especially to Jane and their children. Sending giant HUGS to all of you. ❤❤
Susie
Friend
September 9, 2020
My love and prayers to the Stanley family. He was my principal as well as my boss at the bbq restaurant. Great man.
Kim Linville
Neighbor
September 9, 2020
I am so sorry for all of you. Bill was a wonderful man. I loved working for him at the bbq. Love and prayers. Linda Ray
Linda Ray
Coworker
September 9, 2020
I am proud to have called Bill Stanley my uncle. I have loved him all my life and will continue to do that in the difficult days ahead. Lunda and I want our "Mountain Relatives" to know that we are with them with all our heart. To my sweet Aunt Jane, Dan, Julie, and Mary jane we ask that our Precious Lord be with them and guide them in the difficult days ahead.
Joe and Lunda Stanley
Family
September 9, 2020
Coach there has never been anyone like you. I am proud I got to play for you at Owen you were the greatest. I proud of the way you made us all great human beings. I love you Coach!
Neil Gilchrist
Teacher
September 9, 2020
Mary Jane and family my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mr. Stanley was the kindest, and most lovable man I have ever known and he will be missed greatly. I will be praying that God will hold all of you close and give you peace and comfort. I love you Mary Jane and anything I can do for you or your family don't hesitate to ask.
Renda Swilling
Friend
September 9, 2020
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