Gary Lee Stanley

Gary Lee Stanley Sr., 74, of rural Williamsport, Indiana went to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 4:40 pm on October 29, 2017, at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, IL. He had been battling cancer since December 2006. His determination and positive attitude during this difficult time were an inspiration to all. Gary was born May 22, 1943 in Flat Branch in Clay County, Illinois to the late Hallie D. and Juanita Marie McCraw Stanley. Gary married Patricia R. Lambert on July 13, 1963 at Mt. Vernon Illinois. She preceded him in death on August 11, 2010. Gary later married Brenda Spivey Norman on July 28, 2011 at Noblesville, Indiana and she survives. He is also survived by his son, Gary Lee Stanley, Jr. (Lisa) of Attica, Indiana; step-son, Colby Rennick of State Line, Indiana; step-daughter, Carla Jo Jones of Battlecreek, Michigan; 4 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; sisters, Sandra K. Schnebly (Jim) of Lafayette, Indiana, Linda M. Stanley of Palm Springs, California; Ruth A. Herdes (Richard) of Clay City, Illinois, Ellen M. Stanley of Tuscola, Illinois, Kathleen R. Stanley of Noble, Illinois; brothers, Garrell W. Stanley of Newton, Kansas, Dennis E. Stanley of Hoffman, Illinois and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, his paternal grandparents, Jesse Wilkins Stanley and Ida Mae Kipley Stanley; his maternal grandparents, Este Raymond McCraw and Addie Marie King McCraw; two brothers, Avon Keith Stanley and Larren Dean Stanley. Gary attended Carlyle High School at Carlyle, Illinois and completed various property management courses. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968 and is a Vietnam veteran. After discharge from the Army, he was employed by Roy H. Lambert of the Regency Windsor Companies and was still employed by the company as Property Manager upon his death. Gary was honored and proud to work with Roy Lambert (his brother-in-law) and his sons/nephews, Phil and Hal Lambert. He had a very bonded relationship with the Lambert men. Gary was a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management, Indiana Apartment Association, VFW, American Legion, Rolling Thunder, Chapter 1, of Indianapolis, Indiana and the First Baptist Church. Gary enjoyed spending time with his extended family in Clay County, Illinois sitting around campfires with them talking, laughing, and singing, as well as riding 4 wheelers with them. At home his favorite pastime was spending time in the woods he called "God's Country" behind his house with his close and dear friend, Floyd Gregg. He was also a Harley Davidson enthusiast and loved riding with his many friends in the Rolling Thunder group honoring POW-MIA veterans. Gary and Brenda also rode many miles on the Harley along with Gary's service dog, Hope. Hope would get many stares from fellow motorists. They also enjoyed loading the Harley into the RV toy hauler and traveling. Gary was always on the go. Gary had a ministry of Reconciliation and ministered to fellow veterans even in the Medical Center until he could no longer communicate. 2 Timothy 4:7 reads: I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, and I have finished the course and I have kept the faith. He has fulfilled his scripture. He brought joy to all who knew him and will be greatly missed by all. Thank you to Dr. Elliott and all the staff in the Palliative Care Unit in Building, 101, Ward 4 at the Danville VA Medical Center for the extraordinary care and compassion given to Gary for the past few months. Gail and Peggy, thank you for the humor also which he so enjoyed and needed. Also, thank you to Crystal Smith, Jim Smith, and Jon Kovault for taking care of Hope and helping with many tasks that were needed. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville, IL. Burial will be in Danville National Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 from 4-6 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation, 964 N. Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis, IN. Please join Gary's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Visitation Nov 1, 2017 Wednesday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834 Service Nov 2, 2017 Thursday, 10:00 AM Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834

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