Howard, the youngest of his siblings, was born to Bruce and Mae (Davenport) Stanley on March 13, 1933. He was born in the Stanley-Davenport farmhouse and lived all his life in South Knoxville
Howard graduated from Young High School where he was co-captain and a standout player on the 1950 football team. He met Tootsie Howell, a Young High School cheerleader, and she became his sweetheart and the love of his life. After high school, Howard went on to Jones County Jr. College to play football. He was heavily recruited by Mississippi State but Howard yearned to come home to Tootsie and marry her and that’s what he did. Eventually, both would work and retire from South Central Bell/Bellsouth. They had three children, Howard Jr., Donna, and Lisa.
Their children were the center of their world where love and family would be key to their upbringing. Their South Knoxville home was the place where their children’s friends would hang out and enjoy Tootsie’s cooking and Howard’s football stories of Young High beating old Knox High in football and challenging all the guys to a strength test pegging the scales – which Howard still held the “title” until well into his 70s. Howard always provided for his family and was the proudest when they were all flocked around him especially for holiday dinners. His place was at the end of the table because, as he would say, “I am king of this castle.” And he was.
In December 1995, Tootsie’s life ended too soon in a tragic car accident. Afterwards, the family would rally and care for Howard until the end. In Howard’s last couple of years, he had a remarkable staff of caregivers. Because of these special women, Howard was able to stay comfortable in his own home with his “little buddy”, Toby. They became part of the family. We are so thankful for Linda Jennings, Carolyn Soward, and Barbara Graham.
Howard is survived by his children, Howard (Leisa) Stanley, Donna (Steve) Colburn, and Lisa (Rocky) Stephens. His grandchildren are Greg (Katie) Stanley, Jennifer Stanley Winbigler, Adam (Ashley) Colburn, Jessica Colburn (Justin), Kelly (Kory) Yarlett, and Katie (Dakota) Christian. Great-grandchildren are Sophia and Jack Stanley, Sadie Winbigler, Evelyn and Archie Franklin Colburn, Thomas Yarlett, Harrison Christian. Another great-grandchild is due in the spring. Also survived by his sister-in-law, Bertha Stanley, and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death are Howard’s wife, Lena Sue (Tootsie) Stanley; brother, J.B. Stanley; sister, Edna (P.K.) Boyd, and brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Mary Kathryn Stanley, and several in-laws.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 8, at 2 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charities special to Howard: St. Jude and Young-Williams Animal Center. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com
