Stanley Lee Dilley

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Stan was the oldest child of Stanley and Barbara (Mortenson) Dilley. He grew up in Michigan, and spent his childhood and youth swimming in Bear Lake, helping at the family cherry orchards, making homemade rockets, and fixing any engine he could find. Always putting family first, he was a loving older brother to Bonnie and Ray, and assisted his father at the family movie theater. His curiosity and do-it-yourself approach were the source of many adventures and much hand-wringing for his parents (and later his wife).

Much to the surprise of his family, he survived his many youthful escapades and joined the US Army at age 18. He focused on communication systems and was stationed in Sinop, Turkey. After his enlistment, he continued his computer systems education at Eastern Michigan University. While at university, Stan was recruited by IBM as a field technician, which led to him meeting and marrying the love of his life, Judy. Soon after marriage they moved to North Carolina, where their three children were born and raised. While employed with IBM, Stan pursued two overseas assignments in Nice, France and Rome, Italy. Following his retirement from IBM, Stan built his own business to support software companies and was noted for his care of his employees and clients.

Stan was a kind and compassionate man with a deep love for his family and friends. He enjoyed hosting and welcoming others, whether it was a holiday gathering, a brick oven pizza party, or an impromptu bottle of wine in his beautiful garden. He also cared deeply for animals of all kinds, whether pets or the wildlife that frequented his yard. Stan valued travel and adventure, and was proud to have visited over 40 states and 40 countries with his family. His hospitality, irreverent sense of humor, and gift of story telling will be lovingly remembered by many. Stan added special people to his life everywhere he went, and once he knew you he treated you like family.

Stan is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy Dilley, his children Kristin (Greg) McNamara, Brian (Jen) Dilley, Anna (Ryan) Lockett, grandchildren Keegan Day (Alexandria Wiles), Emma and Julia Dilley, Sara, Owen and Fiona Lockett, siblings Bonnie Shahan and Ray (Kathy) Dilley, and many cherished family and dear friends.

A private service will be held at Highland United Methodist Church