Bob W. Stanley

Bob W. Stanley, 88, passed away Monday, August 24, 2015 following a brief illness. Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy Lou Stanley; three daughters: Jennell Thornton (Richard), Barbara Stewart (Bill), and Nancy Stanley-Crowson (John); three grandchildren: Shanna Hunt (Heath), Michael Scott, and Allison Gray Stewart; and two great granddaughters: Carson Marie and Harper Gray Hunt, all of Lakeland. Born in Copperhill, Tenn., on April 15, 1927, Bob was the oldest of four brothers and one sister. During World War II, Bob served in the Merchant Marines on an oil tanker in the Pacific. After the war, Bob returned to Copperhill to finish high school where he was elected president of his class and captain of the football team. Once Bob graduated from high school he went on to join the United States Marine Corps. In 1951, Bob graduated from Florida Southern College with a degree in Business. Bob owned and operated several businesses before founding Stanley Properties. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland and served four terms as an Elder of the church. He was active in various civic organizations. He was a charter member of the Citrus Center Kiwanis Club. He served on the boards of the Lakeland YMCA and Salvation Army and served as the Chairman of the Lakeland Regional Hospital Board. He was a member of Lone Palm Golf Club and Lakeland Yacht and Country Club. Bob was also a member of the York Scottish Rite Shriner Egypt Temple of Tampa, FL. Bob""s love of sports was demonstrated by his decades-long involvement in the Lakeland High School Booster Club as well as his participation as a charter member of the Florida Southern College 6th Man Club. In 2010 Lakeland High School inducted him into their Athletic Hall of Fame, and in 2013 Florida Southern College inducted him into their Athletic Hall of Fame. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 Saturday, August 29, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, the Men's basketball program at Florida Southern College, or the Lakeland High School Booster Club. The entire Stanley family remains grateful for everyone""s support and caring through this difficult time. Service: 08/29/2015 First Presbyterian Church 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, Fl.