Bruce Stanley - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Bruce Stanley

Born February 27, 1940

Robert Bruce Stanley, son of the late Edward and Zora (Church) Stanley was born on February 27, 1940 at his parents’ home and grew up in Pocahontas, Virginia. On December 9, 2015 he lost his long battle with leukemia.

In 2015 he celebrated his 75th birthday with a party sharing his love of travel. He had been to almost all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.

He joined the Army at the age of 16 and had his first jump from an airplane before his 17th birthday. His love for aviation started back then and he went on to become a certified pilot and flew his friends and family to many fun destinations. He was a member of Quiet Birdmen.

The army sent him to Alaska and when he got off the bus they issued him a pair of White Cadillacs as he called them. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne and the Army Honor Guard. He participated in the festivities when Alaska received its statehood.

In the late 1960’s he started R.B. Stanley and Son carpentry business, which later grew into Stanley Builders. For almost 40 years he was a custom builder of both residential and light commercial work and developer of many sub divisions. During these years he made many friendships with his clients because of his caring and quality work. Dedicated to the home building industry, he served as President of the Home Builders Association of Delaware and was the Delaware representative to the National Association of Home Builders.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his two sons, Michael (Trinity) and John (Laura); his two daughters, Melissa (Tim) Roark, Yvonne (Todd) Sigman, and his surrogate daughter, Sherri (Pete) Hull; 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Charles (Barbara); sister, Pearl (Ron) Knopp and his special niece Ginny (Ken) Stanley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Janet, Phyllis, and Eddie.

Bruce was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Odessa. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 pm on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at the MOT Senior Center, 300 S. Scott Street, Middletown, DE 19709. Bruce would not want any tears, so please bring along your happy memories of your interactions with him to share with his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, Bruce’s request is to have an education account set up for his youngest grandsons. Donations may be made to the Deacon and Rory Stanley Education Account and mailed to Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE 19720.

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30 Condolences for Bruce Stanley

  • I think Bruce’s idea for the educational fund is a wonderful idea!

  • Rest well Bruce until we meet again. Keep your drive narrow and your smile broad. You will be missed brother.

  • Prayers for the Stanley Family. Will miss his great sense of humor and caring.

  • Carolyn, Michael and Trinity…Bruce will be missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Our love to you all…love The Brinks

  • We cared so much for Bruce and are so sorry for this loss. I remember the time he was to fly Sherri and the kids to Delaware and my car ran out of gas. No cell phones at that time. I could just see Bruce pacing. He waited and got them there safely. I thank GOD for how well he treated Sherri and Pete and how much Pete loved the phone calls from Bruce. He will be greatly missed until we meet again

  • I knew Bruce when I was a County inspector in the MOT area back in 1987 to 1998. I always enjoyed meeting with Bruce. He was a pleasure to work with.
    Carolyn, I am sorry for your loss.

  • My condolences to Carolyn; Bruces two sons, Michael and John and his daughters Melissa and Yvonne. Bruce is at peace now.

  • My heartfelt sympathy for all who loved him

  • I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers will be with the family during your time of grief.

    Rest In Peace Mr. Stanley, you will be missed

  • Sorry for your loss will be praying for the family that God will give comfort to all.

  • We have very fond memories of Bruce and Carolyn coming to visit us in South Carolina. Bruce was always so full of life it’s hard to believe he is gone. To Carolyn — there are no words that truly can comfort someone in times like these. Take one day at a time — one step at a time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • We are so sorry Bruce is gone. It was so great to have had some time with him this year. All our prayers for you and your family. Charlie and Mary Ann

  • Carolyn there are no words to be said that would be enough of all the good that Bruce has done. My prayers and deep feeling are the most that I have to give to you and your family.

  • Carolyn, I am so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Thoughts & prayers to you & your family.

  • Carol, I am so very sorry for your loss. My father, Bill Stewart, who passed over a decade ago, always said how much he liked and respected Bruce. He spoke so highly of both of you. I know Bruce will be deeply missed by many, many people. Please take care. Beverly

  • Carolyn and family:please accept our condolences of your beloved Bruce. God rest his soul and God bless you all.

  • Our heartfelt sympathies are with you, Carolyn and your entire family. We very much enjoyed spending time with you and Bruce during your visits to see Ross. We are keeping you ALL in our prayers.

  • FOR CAROLYN STANLEY AND EACH MEMBER OF THE FAMILY: PLEASE ACCEPT MY SYMPATHIES FOR AND WITH YOU EACH. HE WAS THAT EXCEPTIONAL PAL: TOGETHER LEARNING TO FLY, SHARING OWNERSHIP IN A PLANE, LATER DELIVERING FAMILY MEMBERS SAFELY BY AIR, BUT SERVING AS THE BEST LOCAL RESIDENTIAL BUILDER OF PROJECTS FOR THIS FIRM. HE IS A FRIEND WHO WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. AGAIN, PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. CHARLIE WEYMOUTH

  • charles and family i am so sorry for your lost bruce was a good man i enjoy working for him and you charles i now live in nc retired again i;m truly sorry for your loss thinking of you all your friend buck rutledge

  • Carolyn,
    So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of loss. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

  • my deepest codolences to his family
    so glad I got to meet him this summer
    didn’t know him…but knew through Carolyns fb postings what a wonderful husband , father and grandfather he was
    sincere sympathy and prayers to his family

  • Carolyn, I was so sorry to read about Bruce. I was a close friend of Dee Tindall and know he’ll be in great company. You were such a good friend to Dee and hope you have the faith she did and it will sustain you in the days ahead. Carol Kendall. Matthew 5:4

  • Bruce’s talents, kindness, and love for you will live on, Carolyn our hearts go out to you and the family.

  • My thoughts and prayers go out to Carolyn and all the family. May you find peace and comfort in this sorrowful time. I was so sorry to hear about Bruce, but I know he has struggled for the past several years. May he truly now rest in peace.

    Angela

  • Dearest Carolyn,
    Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts have always been with you, your husband, and family. Bruce, was an amazing, humorous, man, and he will be missed by those who loved him.
    Sincerely,
    Barbara Gallo
    Formerly of Master, Sidlow & Associates

  • To Carolyn and Family: So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Be assured that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. He was a special person, and we valued your friendship.

    With Sympathy and Prayer,
    Jr. and Mava Price

  • Carolyn, Sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Sincerely, Bill and Carol Risley
    Cornerstone United Methodist Church

  • Carolyn and Family…

    We were sorry to hear about Bruce. We offer our sincere condolences for your loss. Please know that you’re in our thoughts & prayers now, and in the days to come. If we can help in any way, please let us know.

    The Nehemiah Gateway Staff

  • You are so correct… it is exactly what Bruce would want!!! He had talked many times about putting additional funds together for the boys education.

  • Thank you so much for helping with setting up the room!