Raymond Eugene Stanley

Mr. Raymond Eugene “Stan” Stanley, 95, long time resident of Gulfport Mississippi passed away on February 6, 2019. He was born October 21, 1923 in Haleburg, Alabama to John and Nancy Stanley. Mr. Stanley graduated from Miller County High School. He served overseas in the United States Army during World War II, assigned to HQ 373rd Engineers Regiment 45. He received awards for; Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle East Service Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Mr. Stanley was Honorably Discharged November 18, 1945. A major accomplishment was being a part of the military “Honor Flight” for World War II Veterans who pushed the closed gates open at the World War II Monument which was seen on National Television. Mr. Stanley worked for the Independent Life Insurance Company of Columbus, Georgia. He worked for the Colonial Life Insurance Company of Gulfport, Mississippi where he was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1987. He won many awards while working within the Life Insurance business. Mr. Stanley was known as and referred to himself as “Stan the Man”. He loved his Family and his Church. He worked with the Gideons International. He was known for his sense of humor, was full of life and would always say funny things when it was least expected. Mr. Stanley enjoyed fishing along the Mississippi Gulf Coast Waters for many years. He also enjoyed dancing the “Jitter Bug” most weekends and on many cruises with his wife, Louise. Mr. Stanley was a devout Christian and longtime member of the Gulfport First Baptist Church, which he and his wife, Louise were members of for over 30 years. Mr. Stanley is preceded in death by his parents; John and Nancy Stanley; his sister, Nora Ellis; his brother, Oswald Stanley; and former wife, Christine Stanley. He is survived by his wife, Louise Haygood Stanley; his children, Joye Stanley Travis, Raymond Eugene Stanley Jr.; his grandson Brian Stanley Travis (Jennifer); his great-grandchildren, Austin, Haley, and Nathan Travis; and various nieces and nephews; his step-daughters, Tina Lee and Cindy Dixon. The family would like to thank Mr. Stanley’s Caregivers, St. Joseph Hospice and the Nurses and Doctors of Gulfport Memorial Hospital. Visitation is Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 9:00-11:00 am at the Gulfport First Baptist Church. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 11:00am at Gulfport First Baptist Church with Dr. Jimmy Stewart, Pastor of the Gulfport First Baptist Church, presiding. Interment will be following the service at Floral Hills Memorial Park of Gulfport. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Gulfport, Mississippi is in charge of the arrangements. The family prefers in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Gulfport First Baptist Church, or Gideons International.