Robert T. Stanley's Obituary
Robert Thurman Stanley, 68, was born April 3, 1939 in Bridgeville, Delaware. He passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 after a long journey with prostate cancer. Robert was a native of Laurel, DE where he spent most of his adult life before moving to Bridgeville in the early seventies. From the early 1980’s until his death, he established his permanent residency in Federalsburg, Maryland. For 47 years, Robert was the beloved husband of Marie Jane Oney Stanley. They are both members of St. John A.M.E. Zion Church, Laurel. He was the son of the late Walter T. Stanley and Catherine Grinnage Stanley of Laurel.
Robert, who attended Laurel Public High School in Delaware, was a multi-talented person with an ability to repair anything his hands touched. Throughout his life he amassed the skills of many professions: farmer, carpenter, auto body repair person, truck driver and gifted auto mechanic. Robert, even while in high school, loved cars and the challenge of repairing any automotive problem. He spent many years repairing cars for anyone who asked. As a special hobby, he enjoyed rebuilding engines for the purpose of racing. Over the course of his career, Robert attended numerous automotive schools and acquired many certificates and certifications. He also enjoyed the serenity of being on his boat fishing, helping others with life’s ups and downs, or being surrounded by his brothers. As a second career, Robert turned to truck driving. He enjoyed the tranquility of driving “Old Purple,” his dump truck.
Robert T. Stanley was the beloved father of four surviving children: his son, Dr. Robert A. Stanley and his wife Sharon of Naperville IL;daughter, Wandoria C. Dorsey and her husband Robert of Salisbury MD; daughter, Retta M. Stanley of Dover DE; and his daughter, LoRetta A. Stanley also of Dover DE. He was grandfather to seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Thurman, as his family called him, is survived by his siblings: Charles Stanley of Bridgeville; Carl Lee Stanley and his wife Florence of Laurel; Joseph M. Stanley and his wife Thelma of Laurel; Marian Kellam and her husband Jonathan of Laurel; and many nieces, nephews and family members; including a mother-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as a host of friends and co-workers from the community and trucking industry. He was preceded in death by his brother Ronald Stanley.
Funeral services will be held at St. Johns A.M.E. Zion Church in Laurel, DE, on Monday, October 1, 2007 at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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