Harry Lester Stancil Jr.
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| Harry's children with Bev Eggerling Stancil |
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| Gay Lynne Stancil |
| Jeffrey "Jeff" Theodore Stancil |
| Charles "Chuck" Edward Stancil Aug. 31, 1950 Auburn, Placer, CA-Sept. 27, 2020 CA |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Harry Lester Stancil Jr. and Beverly Ann Eggerling Stancil shared a loving marriage that spanned over five decades, built on family, community, and shared passions. They were longtime residents of Belmont, California, where they built a life filled with cherished memories and a wide circle of friends and family.
Harry Lester Stancil Jr. was born on May 20, 1924, while his parents, Harry Lester Stancil and Eleanor “Laura” Christine Eyler Sayre, resided with his grandparents, Josiah and Minnie, near Rains Crossroads in Johnston County, North Carolina. He was the oldest of five children, growing up alongside his siblings Joseph Elijay, Betty Jean, Eleanor Joyce, and Harriet Edwina. Sadly, his younger sister Harriet Edwina passed away at the age of five on October 3, 1941, in El Dorado, California, after being accidentally run over by a neighbor's vehicle.
Beverly Ann Eggerling was born on August 24, 1926, in Orient, South Dakota. Her paternal grandparents had emigrated from Germany in 1882. Her father, Theodore, was initially an auto mechanic in 1920, but by the 1930 Census, he was listed as a college professor. Beverly, known for her friendliness and openness, was vivacious and possessed a magnetic personality that drew people to her.
Harry and Beverly's journey together began on February 12, 1945, when they were married in Sunnyvale, California. Harry's sisters, Betty and Eleanor, stood by Beverly's side as bridesmaids, marking the joyous occasion.
Their family grew to include three children: Gay Lynne, born in 1945 in San Mateo; Jeffrey "Jeff" Theodore, born in 1948 in Santa Clara; and Charles “Chuck” Edward, born in 1950 in Auburn. They were also proud grandparents to Michelle Leonhardt Fallon, Michael Leonhardt, Jeffrey Leonhardt, Kiersten Stancil Jackson, Courtney Stancil, Bret Stancil, Scott Stancil, Amanda Stillwell, and Katelyn Stillwell. Their joy extended to their great-grandchildren: Jack and Joshua Fallon, Carson Leonhardt, Libby Leonhardt, Alexis Jackson, Mackenzie Jackson, Jonathan Stancil, Hailey Stancil, Madison Stancil, and Jacob Stancil. Tragically, their grandson Eric Martin Stancil passed away at 36 on May 17, 2007.
Harry was a co-founder and co-owner of Hatcher Trade Press of San Carlos. He was also a longtime member of the local chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, reflecting his dedication to his craft and hobbies.
Beverly, too, found fulfillment in her career. She began working with Litton Industries in 1966, continuing with the company when it became L-3 Communications. Beverly was highly regarded as a valuable asset to the company, so much so that management was reluctant for her to retire, offering her the flexibility to set her own hours, which she accepted.
Both Harry and Beverly were dedicated members of their community in Belmont, California, where they resided for 42 years. They were active members of St. Mark's Catholic Church.
Harry's skills extended to photography. In 1980, Harry, Beverly, and their daughter Gay attended the Stancil Reunion. This participation led to Harry undertaking the significant photographic work needed for the labeling of the 1902 Reunion Photograph, allowing him to print and ship large quantities of the photos for the family.
Beverly was known for her exceptional warmth, generosity, enthusiasm, and optimism. She was also stylish and fastidious, always having a twinkle in her eye. She loved the sun and maintained a beautiful tan. For almost 20 years, Beverly hosted "Tuesdays with Beverly," evening gatherings of family and friends filled with laughter, conversation, and fellowship. Her niece, Elisa Stancil, remembers her Aunt Beverly as "extremely generous, funny, and smart."
A couple of months before her passing, Beverly treated her daughter Gay, sister-in-law Joyce, and Joyce's daughter Kerri to a fun-filled getaway at Harrah's, one of Beverly's favorite pastimes. Her frequent visits meant management knew her well, providing perks like a beautiful extra-large suite. Beverly also enjoyed mini-vacations at her condo in Squaw Valley, near Tahoe, and had planned a visit to Laughlin, Nevada, known for its casino slots, but sadly passed away before she could make the trip.
Beverly also shared a poignant memory from August 1972, when her mother, Josephine, became very ill. Beverly expressed her fear of losing her mother, to which Josephine calmly replied, "Well, I'm ready." When Beverly pleaded, "But I don't want you to die," Josephine wisely responded, "Then you'd better talk to God about it because that's his area!" This conversation underscored Josephine's faith, a quality Beverly herself embodied.
Harry Lester Stancil Jr. passed away at his home in Belmont on October 14, 1996, at the age of 72.
Beverly bravely battled pancreatic cancer for about six months before she passed away at the age of 82 on July 2, 2009. More than 400 family members and friends gathered to celebrate Beverly's life with a Catholic service on July 24, 2009, in the Notre Dame de Namur College Chapel in Belmont, California, followed by a reception at Notre Dame High School.
Beverly left behind a legacy of a life well-lived, filled with laughter and joy. She touched the lives of many with her lessons of love, generosity, enthusiasm, optimism, loyalty, and unwavering faith. Her spirit, and the warmth she brought to every gathering, will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil