William Henry Stanback

William Henry Stanback, 85, of Windsor, affectionately known to his family as "Sonny" and beloved husband for 30 years of Vanessa (Reed) Stanback, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025. William was born and raised in Southern Pines, NC, son of the late Clarence and Ethel (Fletcher) Stanback McNeill, where he graduated from high school. After graduation, he moved to Queens, NY, and was employed by the Wyatt Oil Company delivering oil for several years before starting his long and successful career as a truck driver. He retired from Ecolochem in East Hartford where he worked for over a decade. William was happiest when he was in his truck on the open road traveling throughout the United States and Canada. William served on the Usher board at Hopewell Baptist Church in Windsor and was a devoted, proud and lifelong member of St. Peter #20 Masonic Lodge Prince Hall F&AM in Hartford. There he taught and mentored many of the members and spent countless hours with his fellow Masons. William had an amazing memory and could recite pages of the Mason's handbook by heart. William had an impact on the lives of his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends that will not be forgotten. He spoke his mind, often ending his sentences with "Ya know what I mean?" William had a stubborn streak and enjoyed doing things his own way, but he had a good heart, and most things came from a place of love, whether you knew it or not. If he wanted to do something, he would just do it. William was known to tell a story like nobody's business. He loved to tell stories and would add quite a few embellishments that would have you laughing and crying at the same time. The same story was different, funnier, and more creative, every time he told it. He had a great sense of humor, loved to be the center of attention, and was the life of the party. William loved to travel and was very spontaneous. He would often come home and tell Vanessa to pack a bag, and she wouldn't know where she was going until she got there. William was not handy around the house but was still given the name Mr. Fix it. However, he did know engines like the back of his hand and could fix anything with a motor. In his younger years, he enjoyed dancing, especially the Texas Two-Step or Swing Dancing, and he enjoyed listening to Country music and the Blues. He was very much an outdoorsman and loved boating, fishing, hunting, and taking trips with his buddies to the Carolinas. His happy place was any body of water, where he could cast his rod and catch whatever was biting. He especially loved unique meats and would eat bear, deer, moose, bison, and alligator, to name a few. William also loved to cook and could make a meal out of anything. He was a "Master of the Grill" and had a talent for pairing the perfect seasoning or marinade with whatever he was grilling, and made his own BBQ sauce for his famous Ribs. He was his own worst critic, though, and was always upset when his dish didn't come out exactly as he envisioned it would. William leaves a legacy of beautiful and humorous memories that will live in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. In addition to his wife, Vanessa, he is survived by his children, Tyrome Stanback of East Hartford, Linda Burton (Eugene) of Pittsburgh, PA, Tremaine Colon of New Britain, Marcus Chavis of Washington, DC, Corey White (Cyndi) of Windsor, Brian White (Kim) of Manchester, The Atkins Family, Terry, Tini, Randy, Dana, Arnold, Carla who he raised as his own; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; his dear friend, who was more like a brother, Frank Darby Gresham, Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Marion King. His family will receive friends on Monday, August 18, 10-11 a.m., with a Celebration of Life, 11 a.m., at Hopewell Baptist Church, 280 Windsor Ave., Windsor. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield.