Dr. James Christopher Stanley Sr., a 90-year-old native of Mobile, Alabama, longtime proud resident of Thomasville, Alabama, and current resident of Spanish Fort, Alabama, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 20th, 2026.
He was a 45-year member of Thomasville Baptist Church and a current member of Eastern Shore Baptist Church.
Dr. Stanley was a Renaissance man in many ways. He graduated from Auburn University in 1957 to become a Chemical Engineer, and later followed his lifelong dream to practice dentistry. He graduated in 1966 from the University of Alabama Birmingham with a DMD and he served as one of the only dentists in Thomasville for nearly three decades. During his accomplished career, he also managed to be an expert gardener, Board Member at First United Security Bank, and a Deacon at his beloved Thomasville Baptist Church.
More importantly, he was a loving husband to Rebecca Stanley for over 60 years before she preceded him in death. Together they formed the duo of “Pop” and “B”, who were unwavering pillars of love, faith and strength in the lives of their children, grandchildren, and their community of Thomasville. “Grandpop”, as he was affectionately known by his grandchildren, was always present in their lives despite living hundreds of miles away. No distance was too much for a birthday, Christmas, a graduation, or just a visit for the summer.
Dr. Stanley leaves a legacy of kindness behind him. In his early days of dentistry, he would often forgo payment to patients in need. Dr. Stanley donated to the church and other charitable organizations, while serving in numerous volunteer roles around the Thomasville community. His family, patients, colleagues, and any others who interacted with Dr. Stanley in life will always remember the kindness he extended to those around him.
Dr. Stanley was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mamie B. Stanley and Connie C. Stanley; daughter, Kathy Stanley, brother, Paul A. Stanley and great granddaughter Emma James Patten.
He is survived by his son, James C. “Jim” Stanley, Jr. (Mary Lee); grandchildren, James C. “Chris” Stanley, III (Amanda), Mary Margaret Patten (Jamie), and David Stanley (Jordan); great-grandchildren, James C. “Jace” Stanley, IV, Stella Grace Patten, Collins Ann Patten; sister, Rosemary S. Howell; many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at the Radney Funeral Home Chapel in Saraland on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:30 until the service hour. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com.
