Carl Stanley

Carl Stanley, a beloved father, grandfather, proud veteran, and master storyteller, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25th, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, service, and deep love for his family.

Born the youngest of three boys to the late George Clarence Stanley, Sr. and Geneva Catherine (Rhoades) Stanley, Carl grew up with a deep connection to the water. His childhood with his brother, Etheridge, was full of classic coastal adventures—from shooting marsh hens with slingshots, to the unforgettable wartime discovery of a 50-caliber machine gun on the beach, and seeing an enemy submarine surface near him.

Carl graduated from Shallotte High School in 1954 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. Anyone who knew Carl has undoubtedly heard his legendary stories from his two years of honorable service. Most notable was the infamous, terribly seasick boat ride to Europe alongside 2,000 fellow troops. Despite the rough seas, his time in the service brought him lifelong friends. Following his military service, Carl returned home to Shallotte and continued to serve his country for three years in the National Guard.

It was during his National Guard years, while traveling to the North Carolina mountains to visit his Army buddy that Carl met Nadine. Carl and Nadine were married in August of 1958 when Carl was 23. Together they raised two daughters, Carla and Christy.

Carl attended Barber School in Durham and initially worked at the Sunset Barber Shop in Sunset Park in Wilmington. He later spent many successful years in sales at Oakwood Homes. Carl was happiest when surrounded by people. The family cherished times spent surf fishing and vacationing at Ocean Isle Beach, where friends and family regularly gathered. Carl was also the ultimate neighborhood host and chef; his neighborhood fish fries were legendary events that everyone looked forward to.

Later in life, Carl made his way back to the Shallotte area, living in Little River. In his retirement, he returned to his roots as a barber. This role brought him right back into the heart of the community, where he spent his days cutting the hair of childhood friends and catching up on all the Brunswick County news.

When Carla and her husband, Paul, built their home, they invited Carl to join them. He had his own beautiful space upstairs with arguably the best view in the house. In Hampstead, he found a wonderful new church family at Hampstead Baptist Church, where he reconnected with old friends and formed new bonds. He deeply cherished his Tuesday morning breakfasts with his church brothers, who remained a supportive part of his life even when he could no longer attend services.

In his final years, Carl found immense peace sitting on the back porch, watching the vibrant wildlife. He knew the daily routines of the neighborhood squirrels and kept a watchful eye on the feeding habits of the herons and cranes and the activities of the jumping mullets in the creek. He spent his last years enveloped in comfort, love, and excellent care.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, George Clarence, Sr. and Geneva Stanley, and his brothers, George Clarence (G.C.) and Etheridge Stanley. He leaves behind his daughters, Carla Wolff (Paul) and Christy Stanley (Wes); granddaughter Emma Wolff Pruett (Jackson), many nieces, nephews, extended family members; and countless friends whose lives were made brighter by his stories.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Andrews Mortuary Hampstead Chapel, 17730 Hwy 17 N Hampstead, North Carolina 28443. The service will be followed by lunch and visitation at the family’s home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carl’s memory to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation, online at lifecare.org.