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| Chuck's children with Judith Wilson Stancil |
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| Robert "Bob" Edward Stancil June 9, 1960 Wilson, NC-Feb. 16, 2015 Alachua, FL |
| Robin Elaine Stancil Berry |
Charles "Chuck" Carlton Stancil, son of Freeman Elbert Stancil and Gladys Pearl Lamm, grew up in Wilson, North Carolina. He was nicknamed Dickey by his older sister Sheila and by others.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad. He graduated from high school and joined the Air Force in 1955. His older brother, Jay, had joined the Air Force earlier. Chuck was sent to Palm Beach Air Force Base when he was 21.
In 1959, at the age of 21, Chuck was stationed at Palm Beach Air Force Base, where he met 15-year-old Judy. Their attraction was immediate, and their love quickly blossomed. On October 30, 1959, Halloween Eve, they eloped and were secretly married in Danville, Georgia, approximately 500 miles north of Florida, near Warner-Robin Air Force Base. Just weeks after their secret wedding, Chuck was deployed with the Air Force to the Azores Islands in the North Atlantic. Judy returned home, eventually revealing their marriage to her parents when she became pregnant. Their son, Robert Edward Stancil, was born that summer. Their daughter, Robin Elaine Stancil, followed in 1963, born in Florida.
During his time in the Air Force from 1955 to 1959, Chuck was part of the mapping crew for Operation Hardtack in the Marshall Islands in 1958. This operation involved tests on Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) and Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) warheads and bombs. After one particular test, Chuck remarkably saw the bottom of the ocean. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Chuck embarked on a long career at Cape Kennedy, working for the Bendix Corporation. Bendix held a contract with NASA, contributing to the building and launching of missiles. Chuck retired in 2002.
Chuck and Judy lived in Florida for many years. While there, they owned a weekend house on a canal at Lake Placid, Florida. Judy, known for her generous and giving nature, made friends easily. She consistently exemplified her kindness by leaving extra food for their elderly neighbor before returning home each time. During her time in Lake Worth, Florida, Judy also established the Tropical Topics Nursery. She later closed the nursery when they moved to Lake Placid, where she continued her benevolent spirit by opening her home and heart to a neighbor who appeared to have no family, ensuring he had plenty of ready-to-eat food. Judy found great joy in being a good neighbor.
In 2002, Chuck and Judy relocated to Blairsville, Georgia, just five miles from the North Carolina border. Here, they built their dream house, found a welcoming church home at the First United Methodist Church, cultivated many new friendships, and enjoyed a great golf course. They shared passions for camping, boating, hunting, and fishing.
Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, which was successfully treated, making her a breast cancer survivor. She and Chuck attended the 2007 Stancil Reunion. However, in October 2011, Judy was diagnosed with brain cancer and also had cancer in her chest and back. Despite successful treatment, the cancer unfortunately returned in August 2013, leading to her hospitalization in Gainesville, Georgia. During this challenging time, the entire family gathered, including son Bob from Florida and daughter Robin from North Carolina.
Judy continued to crochet, making "Heavenly Hats" for nearly everyone she met during her treatment. Each recipient was surprised and thrilled by these special gifts, a testament to Judy's constant thoughtfulness and desire to let others know they were in her thoughts. One of Judy’s heartfelt wishes was to renew her wedding vows with Chuck, a special ceremony they celebrated with close family and friends. Shortly before her passing, her son Bob drove up from Florida to be with her.
Judith "Judy" Ann Wilson Stancil died peacefully at her home in Blairsville, Georgia, surrounded by family and friends, on September 13, 2013, at the age of 69. Her life was celebrated on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church in Blairsville, with Rev. Mark Burgess officiating. She is survived by Chuck, her husband of 55 years; her mother, Carmlee Harris Wilson; her son, Robert Edward Stancil; daughters Robin Elaine Stancil Berry and her husband Brian, and Debbie Prior; her brother, Jimmy Wilson; and grandchildren Peggy Lee Stancil, Connor Justin Berry, and Collin Daniel Berry. Judy, who loved animals, had two special canine companions, Samantha and Sabrina. She will be remembered for her deep love of family and friends, her helping hand, cheery smile, and for living by the "Golden Rule," always knowing the right words to say and offering warm hugs that lifted spirits.
Bob passed away on June 13, 2018.
Chuck and Judy Stancil's life together was a testament to enduring love, dedication to family, community involvement, and a spirit of generosity that touched many.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil