William Allen Stanley was called by our Lord on April 3, 2026. He was born in Kilgore, Texas, on February 12, 1949. His parents were Edwin and Justine Stanley of Kilgore. Always known as Bill, he graduated from Kilgore High School, Kilgore College, and UT-Tyler with a degree in accounting.

Bill served his country in the U. S. Navy on active duty, followed by reserve duty. During his active duty, he was assigned to the USS Hancock aircraft carrier and worked on electronic equipment. He had many stories to tell about his Navy working experience and travels to Japan, the Philippines, Australia and other military ports.

His career experience included management positions with Eagle Trucking Company, Management and Training Company, Kilgore ISD and Henderson ISD. He enjoyed the challenges of all his employment opportunities and especially learning the newest technologies.

Bill loved hosting gatherings for family and friends and was an exceptional chef. He also looked forward to the annual trips to the Florida beaches, motorhome trips, and quail hunting. He will be most remembered for all the building and remodeling projects he undertook and oversaw both professionally and as a hobbyist and volunteer.

He served his community and church through many endeavors. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Kilgore, served on the Kilgore School Board of Trustees for fourteen years with two terms as president, an Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Henderson, political campaign volunteer, Chili Cookoff Judge and deliveries for Meals on Wheels.

He is survived by his wife, Lsha, of 56 years of marriage; his children Allan Stanley and wife Jennifer, Julie Gage and husband Johnathan; his grandchildren, Garrett Stanley and Cooper Stanley; Kimber Gage and Kennedy Gage all of Kilgore. He is also survived by his siblings Gail Hargrave of Kilgore, David Stanley and wife Amy of Opelousas, Louisiana, and Suzanne Finnell and husband Carl of Melissa, sisters-in-law Janie Harris and Carl, Jan Warren and Eddie and Jenny Baggett, all of Kilgore and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law Kerry Hargrave and Frank Baggett Jr.

There will be a private family burial. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Kilgore, Texas. Following the memorial service, the family will be available to visit with guests in the church Parlor of Fellowship Hall.

The family would like to thank Hearts Way Hospice of North East Texas and Visiting Angels for their incredible care, compassion, and dignity shown during his lengthy illness.