John Broaddus Stanley

John also known as JB, Bee, and most affectionately as Pops, was born Aug 30, 1932 in Guilford County to Frances and Broaddus Stanley. He was the oldest of 6 children. He grew up surrounded by much family and was always most comfortable in a crowd.

Pops attended Summerfield School and served in the Korean War, where he spent most of his time in Germany. After the war he returned home to help on the family farm.

JB was quite the baseball player. He played all positions and was known for his determination and clutch play. While he loved all sports he was especially fond of the Duke Blue Devils. During basketball season he will be fondly remembered for his passionate disagreements with the referees. In addition to sports, his other favorite pastime was fishing in which he held the record for largest large-mouth bass in Guilford County for many years.

As someone with a larger than life personality who never met a stranger, he was always ready with a joke and a smile. Even at the age of 88, he cultivated new friendships with the LDI family. This warmth extended to all of his family and friends, with plenty of stories and advice as a father, grandfather and dear friend. At the card table however, he was all business, as attested by dear friend Tom.

Pop was a long-standing member of Morehead United Methodist Church, serving as superintendent for many years. An active member of the congregation, he was the Keeper of the Fire for many years of Brunswick Stews.

We were all so blessed to have had him in our lives for so many years. Bee was graced with good health and even better friends. He said he never needed a driver’s license because of his many friends and he was given health and longevity because he always honored his father and mother.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, son John Rodney, brothers Ricky and Bobby, sister Belle and brother-in-law JT. He will be sadly missed by his daughter Sue and husband Eddy, his youngest daughter Roz and Scott, his breakfast buddy, his grandchildren Blaze, Chaz, Marly, and Skyler, his younger brother Jerry and sister in law Sue, baby sister Reba and sister-in-law Betty.

Pop loved flowers, however in lieu of them, the family asks that contributions be made to Morehead UMC, 3214 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro NC 27410. www.moreheadumc.com.

A graveside service will be at 2:30 PM, Sunday, December 20 at Jessup Grove Church Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his son. A true celebration of his life will be held at a later date as Pop loved a party.