Steve Stanley

Robert Stevens Stanley was born on February 1, 1936 in West Point, MS to the late Seth P. and Mavis Etoy Stanley. Steve attended West Point City Schools and graduated with the class of 1954. He had many good memories of his school years. After graduation he had been accepted to attend U.S. Naval Academy and begin training to become pilot, but while visiting his brother in Texas, waiting to start his training, he had a tragic accident at which time he suffered a broken neck. This disqualified him from becoming a pilot. However, when he recovered, he did attend MSU and remained a State fan for life. After leaving State he worked at B&W until 1966.

On July 3, 1960, he married Kay Sullivan. Steve loved to joke about giving up his independence the day before Independence Day! However, it was a happy marriage, and they had three children and were married 64 years. In 1966, he began working for his father-in-law, Herbert Sullivan, at Sullivan’s Printing and Office Supply where he managed the print shop until it was sold to Bryan Foods, as an in-plant shop.

Steve was an active member of the First Baptist Church, having begun attending in the nursery and joining as a pre-teen. He served as a deacon, a Fifth-grade boys Sunday School teacher, and in the bus ministry. He sang in church choir for 60 years, for several years of this time he was the bass singer in the FBC ‘s Grace Quartet, a popular group which sang at many events in the community and nearby. These were some of the happiest years of his life, as he loved to sing about his Lord and Savior.

Steve was also an outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He also enjoyed his dogs. He always had a special dog. His current dog is one he picked up from the animal shelter, her name is Suzie.

He loved spending time with his children and rarely went anywhere without one or more of them tagging along. Then came the grandchildren, four boys and two girls. They all enjoyed fishing with Pop in his little fishing pond. Lastly a great -grandson was born. Each of these children had a special place in their Pop’s heart. He regretted that none of his grandchildren lived nearby, and he treasured the time he was able to spend with them, but it was never as much as he would have liked.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Stanley of West Point; sons, Craig Stanley of Huntsville, AL, Russell Stanley of Madison, AL; daughter, Sheri Stanley of West Point; sister, Mavis Shirley of Madison MS; 5 grandchildren, Brooke Stanley, Caitlin Stanley, Kyle Stanley, Chase Stanley, Caden Stanley; 1 great grandchild; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Michael Stanley; sisters, Mildred Katz, Bobby Jean Hazlewood, Sarah Young; brother, Sonny Stanley.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Wednesday at First Baptist Church with Mr. Kris Hollis officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Kyle Stanley, Chase Stanley, Caden Stanley, Bard Shirley, Ried Johnson, Daniel Martin. Visitation with family and friends will be 10-11 AM Wednesday at the church.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church benevolence fund PO Box 794 West Point, MS 39773.