John J Stanley

He is survived by three children, Sandra Reid, Peggy Holmes and John M. Ellis; seven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mabel Stanley; his parents; and fourteen siblings.

At 18 years old, John joined the Coast Guard and served in the Pacific. Upon returning, John was employed and retired from J. W. Bateson Construction Company in Dallas, Texas. The company is said to have changed the Dallas, Texas skyline. During his 39 years of employment, John worked his way up to be the Senior Vice-President.

John was over many jobs across the United States including many V. A. hospitals, federal buildings in Washington D.C., Army barracks in both Ft. Knox and Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He also presided over the construction of the first Texas stadium home to the Dallas Cowboys.

In 1988, he and his wife moved to Tuscaloosa to be near family where he built his daughter and son-in-law's home as well as his own. He was instrumental in building and serving the Englewood Hulls Volunteer Fire Department and raising funds through many Boston Butt sales.

John was also instrumental in building the Englewood Hulls Water Department and served on the Board of Directors. He stayed busy playing golf at Woodland Forrest Country Club where at one time he served on the Board of Directors. He also enjoyed hunting and gardening. He loved the Atlanta Braves, Dallas Cowboys and the Crimson Tide.

John attended Big Sandy Baptist Church. He was a Christian who loved life, his community and never met a stranger.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with Chaplain Scott J. Blake officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens with Memory Chapel Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be Monday, November 13, 2017, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Englewood Hulls Volunteer Firemen.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Englewood Hulls Volunteer Fire Department.