COLUMBUS EDWARD STANLEY

Columbus Edward Stanley (Edmon), was born January 12, 1937 in Clinchco. He was the son of Alvin and Oma Hay Stanley. He died as he wanted to; at home and still on his feet, July 2, 2023 at age 86. He simply went to bed Saturday night and woke up in heaven Sunday morning.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Sally Puckett Stanley; his eldest son, Johnny Alvin Stanley; parents, Alvin and Oma Stanley; brothers, Cecil, Joe, Jimmy and Danny Stanley and sister, Josephine Hanson.

He is survived by his daughter, Onedah Stanley; sons, Farrell and Anthony Stanley; his sister, Rosie Belcher and brother, Jerry (Linda) Stanley; sisters in-law, Gardenia Stanley, Bea Leighton, Dresden Stanley, Peggy Brooks, Arlene Puckett, Betty Puckett, Bonnie (Dan) Runions, Pam Puckett, Becky (Dean) Woods, and Johnnie Belinda (Clinton) Thompson; brothers in-law, Roger (Diann) Puckett and Joseph Lynn Puckett. He leaves behind wonderful friends at Valley View, Hill Ridge, Skeetrock Bible Church, Clinchco Holiness Church and other churches throughout the county. Special friends: Pastor Lynn Vanover, Bill Large, Walter Bryant, Clyde Hill, Versie Wells, Russell and Brenda Branham and Gerry Gaby.

Edmon was a loving husband, father and friend. He was a dedicated Christian and a long-time member and worker at Valley View Free Will Baptist Church.

Early childhood was spent in Clinchco where his father worked in the mines. He broke his collar bone when his brother, Joe, pulled him along a rock wall in a new Christmas wagon. His family moved to the South of the Mountain in 1947 where he resided on the family farm for the rest of his life. He enlisted in the US Army in 1957 serving in Texas and Nevada. He was a ground crew observer for the testing of the Hydrogen Bomb. Returning home, he married Sally and started their family. Edmon was employed in the coal industry as a drill operator, surface mine foreman and coal truck driver.
He loved serving the Lord, reading his Bible and visiting friends and family. In retirement, he worked on the farm as much as his health would allow. As his lungs deteriorated, he could not walk far but could work for hours running a dozer, tractor or mower. He never learned to do nothing, was always early for everything and faithful to his family. We are proud to call him our Dad.

Visitation was Friday, July 7, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a song service at 7 p.m. at Valley View Free Will Baptist Church in Clintwood. Graveside service was held Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Alvin Stanley Cemetery at 402 A J Stanley Rd, Clintwood. Pastors Lynn Vanover and Kelly Fleming officiated.

Pallbearers were Russell Branham, Jimmy, Chris, John, Mark, Ricky and Jerry Dee Stanley. Honorary Pallbearers were Johnny Branham, Freddie Mullins, Keith Dotson, A C Blevins, Bobby Hammons, Doug and Starling Fleming, Brenda Branham, Greg Dotson, Tommy and Johnny Childress, Lucas Stanley and both of Valley Views’ Robert Stanleys.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ladies Auxiliary at Valley View Free Will Baptist Church, P. O. Box 594, Clintwood, Va., 24228.

Clintwood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.