Tributes

Hartsville will miss a gentle, fun-loving, sweet man named Bill Stanley. Born William Thomas Stanley, II on July 2, 1941, he suddenly slipped away Saturday, August 18 after a brief illness. His spirit reflected the Savior he dearly loved and professed, and we rejoice that he is now whole again in Heaven. The first-born son of William Thomas Stanley, Sr., and Eleanor (Sally) Elizabeth Onyan, Bill made friends everywhere as his genuine kindness drew others to him. He served his country in the United States Air Force for four years in nuclear and conventional weapons aircraft operations, training in San Antonio, TX, technical school in Biloxi, MS, stationed in El Paso, TX, at Biggs AFB, Etain, France, and finally Alamogordo, New Mexico. He was able to use his talents and skills honed from years of working with vehicle engines. After this service, Bill came home to Hartsville and studied at Florence Darlington Technical School earning an Associate of Science degree in Industrial Technology. Bill then met the love of his life, Ruth Carmen Blackmon Puckett. Marriage followed soon after and together they loved and raised three wonderful daughters, Debbie, Carmen and Jean. Together they enjoyed many happy years surrounded by friends and family serving their community and being a part of the fellowship known as West Hartsville Baptist Church. Bill was a member of the Hartsville Masonic Lodge # 173. Employed by Sonoco Products Company for six years, Bill later worked in retail sales and service in the insurance, sporting goods, and finally motorcycle businesses. Bill endured adversity in the loss of both his dear Ruth after her courageous battle and dear grandson, Derek Anderson, and his own health issues. He found tremendous joy in his volunteer service with the Hospital Auxiliary and welcomed countless folks as they entered the Medical Office Complex with a big, wide grin and heart. Loving speed as his NASCAR fondness showed, he had to be warned once about speed on his scooter in the hospital hall. His volunteer friends got a big kick out of that. Perhaps he should be known as the “Official Grandfather of Harley Circle” – the best any child could know. He is survived by his mother, Eleanor “Sally” Stanley of Hartsville, SC; brother, Oliver (Stephanie) Stanley of Hartsville, SC; daughters, Debbie Puckett of Augusta, GA, Carmen P. (Chuck) Dykes of St. Augustine, FL, and Jean P. (David) Anderson Buckelew of Whitney, TX; brother-in-law, Curtis (Martha) Blackmon of Lugoff, SC; former son-in-law, Jeff Anderson. The family will receive friends at the home of Oliver and Stephanie Stanley, 920 W. Home Ave.

Tributes

Mr. William T. "Bill" Stanley II

July 2, 1941 - August 18, 2012