Kenneth Clyde Stanley
Published 3:00 pm Thursday, June 19, 2025
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Kenneth Clyde Stanley, LTC (Retired), a long-time resident of LaGrange, Georgia, passed on to be with the Lord in the early hours on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at The Reserve in Spring Hill, TN.
Ken was born in Carbon Glow, KY on June 9, 1928, the youngest son of Edward and Virgie Counts Stanley. His early life was spent in the heart of rural coal country and evolved through many moves among extended family between Appalachia and central Florida. In August 1948, as a young Marine Sergeant, he met and later married Kathryn Crosby of Quitman, GA. Together they shared an exciting life across the globe with their children: Kenneth Jr (‘51), Kaye (‘53), Wayne (‘57), Kevin (‘61), and Keith (‘66).
Ken was a proud patriot and decorated military officer. He served his beloved country for 24 years as an US Army aviator as well as in the US Marine Corps. He was a combat veteran of both Vietnam and Korean conflicts. He loved flying and was a consummate pilot. During his time of service, he flew almost every aircraft in the Army inventory, both fixed wing and helicopters.
After his military retirement in 1968, Ken embarked on a totally new career eagerly joining the early days of computerization and data processing with an international textile manufacturing company. He rose through the ranks with positions in West Point, Columbus, Abbeville and Valley, AL ultimately retiring as Assistant Corporate Comptroller in 1976. He then founded and ran a business consulting firm in Lagrange, GA until 1996. During 40 years in LaGrange, Ken served in many ministries at Rosemont and Franklin Road Baptist churches and especially loved teaching adult Sunday School class.
Ken, affectionately known as “Papooh” to his extended family, was preceded by his beloved Kitty, wife of 69 years, and survived by four sons, Ken Jr. (& Vicki) of Auburn, AL; Wayne (& Kimberly) of Navarre, FL; Kevin (& Denise) of Travelers Rest, SC; Keith (& Nancy) of Spring Hill, TN; and daughter Kaye (& Butch) Dutto Chapel Hill, TN. Ken and Kitty were blessed to have twelve grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren. As patriarch of the Stanley family and friend to so many, Ken was well respected, much loved and will be greatly missed!
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Jeff Stanley Memorial Fund. You can find details at http://www.jeffstanleymemorialfund.com/give.html
Funeral: 21 June 2025. 10am Viewing. 11am Memorial Service.
Location: Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home, 1500 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801
Internment: Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Fort Mitchell, AL