Bobby Joe STANLEY

1941 - 2017

STANLEY, Bobby Joe
Bobby Joe Stanley went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 4, 2017. In his 75 years, he was a tremendous blessing to those of us who knew him and loved him.
Bob was born on April 30, 1941 in Dublin, Texas to Wilbur and Mary (Wells) Stanley. While still a young boy, Bob moved to Spur, Texas, where he spent his impressionable years growing up on the hardscrabble land of west Texas with his sister and three brothers. After graduating from Spur High School in 1960, Bob served his country as an Airman in the Air Force. After the Air Force, he applied his newly acquired computer skills and knowledge to forge a 37-year career with Sperry Univac and Dell Computers, including more than a decade at NASA where he was computer support for the manned spaceflight program from 1966 until 1977.
In 1976, Bob married Kris (Hengst) in Clear Lake, Texas. They were happily married for 40 years. In 1985, Bob, Kris and their children, Mary and Ryan, were among the first families who planted Hill Country Bible Church in northwest Austin, attending before the first public services began in 1986.
Bob was passionate about his faith, his family and the open road. Over the years, Bob and Kris travelled thousands of miles along the highways and by-ways of North America, managing to visit all 50 states, at least once, and 39 of the 59 National Parks. Always interested in people and their stories, Bob acquired a deep appreciation for his fellowman that grew throughout the many years and the many miles, travelling the backroads of this country, with Kris by his side.
To the end of his days, he possessed a genuine sense of awe for life's gifts. Whether it was teaching one of his grandchildren to ride a bike, finding an arrowhead along a dried-out gully or meeting a person for the first time; Bob's life reflected well on leaving a legacy of kindness while living life as an adventure in a rich, rewarding way. In short, to know Bob was to love Bob.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Mary; and his brother, Billy. Bob was also preceded in death by his beloved son, Ryan.
He is survived by his wife, Kris; his daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Blake Magee; grandchildren, Aiden, Gracen, Grier, Evan, Ellis, Jude and Locke; his siblings, Kathy, Walter and Weldon; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family members and friends.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 17, at Hill Country Bible Church Lakeline, 12124 Ranch Road 620, Austin, 78750 with reception following. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Bob's name to Hospice Austin's Christopher House, 2820 East Martin Luther King Blvd, Austin, TX 78702.