William "Bill" Elbert Stanley, Jr.

On July 11, 2022 William E. Stanley, Jr. gently passed away at his home in Greensboro, NC. Bill was 79 years old. A service to celebrate his life will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 2:00 pm. A visitation with the family will be held in the Mullin Life Center at the church immediately following the service.

Bill was born in Wilmington, NC on April 9, 1943, the firstborn son to William E. Stanley, Sr. and Alice Taylor Stanley.

Bill graduated from Greensboro Senior High School and immediately pursued a college degree at UNC Chapel Hill where he graduated with a BS degree in Business. He also earned his Juris Doctor degree from the UNC-CH Law School. He was an ERISA attorney and a member of the NC State Bar and the NC & American Bar Associations.

Before beginning his career, Bill served our country in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. After earning his degrees Bill joined his father in his business, W.E. Stanley Pension Planning Company, Inc. After his father retired he formed W.E. Stanley & Company, an actuarial and employee benefits firm with help from his brother. Under Bill’s wise leadership the firm grew to be one of the largest employee benefit firms in the Southeast U.S. The firm eventually merged with BB&T which prompted Bill’s two eldest sons, along with Chris Francis, to form another successful firm in 2002. The new firm was called Stanley Benefit Services which Bill later joined so that He could continue to faithfully serve his longterm clients.

In addition to his corporate success, Bill was a valued member in his community. He served on the former Triad Bank Board of Directors in Greensboro, was a lifelong member at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, and also maintained a lifelong membership at Greensboro Country Club. From 2006 until recently he greatly enjoyed owning and operating Autumn Creek Vineyards in Mayodan, NC.

Bill had a passion and skill for entrepreneurial work, but those who knew Bill best knew that his greatest passion was for his sons and grandchildren. While he was known nationwide as a successful corporate executive, his two favorite titles were “Dad” and “Big Daddy” (his grandfatherly moniker). Whether he was hunting with his sons at his farm or playing in the sand with his grandchildren on the beach, his smile was greatest when he was surrounded by his beloved family. Bill lived his life for the lives of those he loved. He unselfishly gave of his time, resources and love to all who needed it, family or friend.

Bill was preceded in death by his loving mother and father, Alice and William E. Stanley, Sr. He is survived by his 4 beloved sons and their families, Wes Stanley, wife Kelly and daughters, Grayson and Walker; Chris Stanley, wife Sarah and sons, Miller and Thomas; Ric Stanley, wife Chelsea and son, Easton and daughter, Isla; Scott Stanley, wife Amanda and twin daughters, Claire and Evelyn. He is also survived by his younger brother whom he wisely mentored, John T. Stanley, wife Angela and stepson, Frank Galbo.

He will be greatly missed by many other family members and friends who were the recipients of his loving generosity and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro, NC; The Boys and Girls Home of NC in Lake Waccamaw; or The Children’s Home Society of NC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Stanley family.