Obituary of Kenneth Ray Stanley

Kenneth Ray Stanley

"I play the banjo, and I'm a Fairlane Man."

The son of David and Ollie Stanley, Ray's interest fixing things began at a young age.  He started tinkering with clocks as a child and moved on to rebuilding Ford Fairlanes, which he collected and treasured for many years.  After attending Staunton River High School he joined the United States Navy and served his country during the Vietnam war.  He returned home to work as a machinist at Rubatex, where the put his strength and skill to good use for more than thirty years.  Known by the nickname "Rooster", he was respected for his work ethic, which included the ways he routinely fixed automotive, plumbing and electrical issues at home as well as work.  He enjoyed taking care of the farm - tending to animals, his vegetable garden and fruit trees.  Music was part of being a Stanley man, and Ray picked his banjo with a smile on his face until his very last days.  Ray was married for fifty-one years to Karen and with her they raised four children, Cliff, Scott, Marissa and Corley and mourned the loss of baby Christopher.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, David and Ollie Stanley; his three brothers, David (William), Richard and Wayne Stanley and baby Christopher.

He is survived by his wife,  Karen Wood Stanley; his four children, Clifton (Laura), Scott (Amanda), Marissa Leith (Webster) and Corley (Niven); his grandchildren, Brice, Jalyn, Masyn, Kennedy, Lincoln, Owen, Jeb, Steven, Stephanie, Aleczander and Clint; sister, Genny Humphreys (Bob); his aunt, Nancy Orange (Jesse); as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in his memory of the Bedford Humane Society, which generously helped the family care for many beloved animals over the years.

A graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Virginia Memorial Park.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.