Robert Overton Stanley, 86, of Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 13, 2025. Born on August 30, 1938, in Richmond, Virginia, he was a devoted husband of 60 years to Mary Stanley and a loving father to David Stanley and Lori Stanley.
Bob’s family moved from Richmond to Broad Creek Village in Norfolk where he developed a love for sports and cars at an early age. Bob graduated from Norview High School in 1956 where he played baseball and football. He was a member of the Pilots state champion football team in 1955 and played summer baseball in the Norfolk City League for Gray’s Pharmacy. He loved spending time with his Norview friends and hanging out at Doumar’s.
Bob attended Old Dominion University and studied engineering while pitching for the baseball team under coach Bud Metheny. One summer, coach Metheny drove him to Richmond for a tryout with the New York Yankees organization.
Bob later transferred to Virginia Tech to finish his studies where he participated in the co-op work program with Newport News Shipbuilding while earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1962. In 1966, he bought a new Ford Mustang convertible which brought his family many years of pleasure and still sits in his garage today.
Bob spent the majority of his career as a civil servant for Nav Sea Combat Systems working on nuclear submarine systems and finished his career in government contracting.
He enjoyed family and friends, music, traveling, fellowship with the United Methodist Men, cheering on his Hokies, gardening, driving his beloved Mustang, Tony’s and Jimmy’s hotdogs, coaching, and attending numerous sporting events and activities to support his children and grandchildren.
A true gentleman and a man of faith, Bob was known as a great husband, brother, father, friend and neighbor for his caring, loyalty and willingness to help those in need. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
He was predeceased by his parents Marion Overton Stanley and Ruth Parrish Stanley. Bob is survived by his wife Mary Stanley, his son David and wife Kristine Stanley, his daughter Lori Stanley, grandchildren Andrew Stanley and Matthew Stanley, and his brother Tom Stanley, as well as his four grand dogs and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
The family will receive friends at Smith & Williams Funeral Home in Kempsville on June 19th from 5pm - 8pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 20th at 3pm at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.
