DR. John E Stansell

John E. Stansell, DDS, greatly loved husband, father, and grandfather, received his eternal reward May 8, 2015, at the age of 87. Best described as a man of service, John was born in Clermont, Lake County Florida on August 9, 1927, to Webster Etheridge Stansell and Hilda Thornton Stansell. In service to his country, John enlisted in the Army in 1946. He married Jeanne Dutton McPherson in 1949. John and Jeanne moved to Atlanta where John attended Emory University’s Dental School, graduating with his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Shortly after his graduation they moved to Winder where he began practicing dentistry. Together John and Jeanne proudly raised six children into independent productive citizens. Through his guidance and example he instilled in their children the morals and values of his faith. In mission to his Lord, John faithfully served his church, Winder First United Methodist for 60 years, most recently on the History Committee. Most important to him was his Chairmanship of the Family Life Center. Doc Stansell provided compassionate dental care for 38 years to Winder and the surrounding community and is still remembered fondly by his patients, 20 plus years post- retirement. He provided dental care to underserved populations around the world through his Methodist Mission trips to Belize, Haiti and Costa Rica. John’s service to his community spanned over 50 years, including; President of the Lions Club, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, and supporting the Head Start Program. His proudest community achievement was with the Boy Scouts of America, who honored him with their highest volunteer service award, The Silver Beaver. John enjoyed rebuilding antique cars, trout fishing, camping trips and spending time by the creek at his mountain cabin.

John was predeceased by his wife of 49 years Jeanne McPherson Stansell, his brother Walter Joe Stansell, sister-in-law Geraldine Jerry Ryan Stansell, and his wife of seven years Carolyn H.

Stansell. He is survived by his wife of eight years, Kathy R. Stansell, his children Caren Anne Gilliam (Raymond) of Knoxville, TN; John Douglas Stansell (Jamie) of Tampa, FL; Jennifer Lynne Stansell of Winder, GA; Harold Etheridge Stansell (Sheryl) of Tampa, FL; Robert Emory Stansell, DMD (Robin) of Winder, GA; and Richard Charles Stansell (Lisa) of Lawrenceville, GA. Step-children Michael Reitz (Sharon) of Roswell, GA; Nancy Turpin of Athens, GA; Diane Gay (Merle) of Watkinsville, GA; Mike Smith (Luanne) of Lilburn, GA; Jeff Smith (Traci) Paris, TN; Hilda Roddy of Castillion, TN; and Wilda Stanfield of Soddy Daisy, TN; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, his nieces and nephew and many extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Winder First United Methodist Church or the Boy Scouts of America. Call the church at 770-867-4594 for more details.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2015 from 6 till 8PM at Smith Funeral Home and from 12 till 2PM Wednesday at Winder First Methodist Church. Funeral services will be at 2PM Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at Winder First Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.