Robert Dewey Stansell

Robert Dewey Stansell died Thursday, August 22, 2013, in Gadsden. Born July 21, 1931, in Gadsden, AL, he was the son of the late Hobart Andrew Stansell and Lala Mary Harbin Stansell. Dewey grew up in Alabama City and attended Emma Sansom High School, graduating in 1949. Upon graduation he attended Jacksonville State University, participating in both the music and baseball programs. In 1952 he was drafted into the United States Army and deployed to the frontlines of Korea where he served as a medic for 15 months. His many achievements included induction into the Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame and the Patriots Hall of Honor in 2012, in recognition of outstanding leadership. His family and friends will fondly remember his unforgettable and extraordinary tenor voice. He was also the Choir Director at First United Methodist Church of Attalla.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Billie Ruth, and his youngest son, Blake, and his wife Lynda. He is preceded in death by his oldest son Robert Dewey Stansell II, and sisters; Lala Smith and husband J.D. Smith, Jean Golden and husband Glenn and brother; Ben Stansell and his wife Evelyn. He is also survived by; sister, Judy Brewer, and husband Johnny of Glencoe. Grandchildren; Chad Stansell and wife Chrissy, Corey Stansell, and Clayton Stansell; and Great Grandson; Dylan Stansell. Nieces; Sharron Smith Beck and husband Michael, Cathy Smith, Amy Smith Fann and husband Tom, Glend Jean Golden New and husband Bill New, Karen Stansell Bearden and husband David, Stacy Stansell Chandler and husband Jeff; Nephews, John Glen Brewer and wife Julie; and many more great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be nephews and Dr. Rex Wilson and Donald Rhea. Honorary Pallbearers will be Johnny Brewer, Durwood Nichols, Niles Nichols, Dr. Adrian Chandler, Charlie Webb, Rip Reagan, and Jolly Ralph Brown.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Charles Newman, Dr. K.J. Shah, and Dr. Jaiswal for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either First United Methodist Church Gadsden or Attalla First United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m., and the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, Gadsden, with the Rev. Harvey Beck and Rev. Ken Casey officiating. Interment will follow at Forrest Cemetery for family members. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services directing.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com