Donell Franklin Stancil
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| Donell's child with Lou Chauncey Stancil |
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| Vann Franklin Stancil |
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Donell Franklin Stancil was the only one of Alvin's children to be delivered by a doctor, George Stephenson Coleman of Kenly.
Donell, the son of Alvin and Esther Ann Peedin Stancil, was born July 3, 1932. His arrival on July 3rd was a carefully considered event, his first name inspired by young Donnell Narron, a local boy whose name resonated with his mother. The middle name, Franklin, was a tribute to Esther's father's admiration for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a sentiment so strong that his election later that year prompted a celebratory turkey sent to the President-elect.
Growing up on the Glendale Community farm in Johnston County, part of the original Henry Sasser Homestead, Donell shared his childhood with older siblings: sisters Beulah Lindolph, Pluma Esther, and Virginia Penny, and brothers Vernard Alvin and Glenn Warren.
Life on the farm, where his father cultivated tobacco, cotton, and corn, and traded horses and mules alongside raising turkeys, geese, chickens, sheep, cattle, instilled in Donell a strong work ethic from a young age. Even the family collie, a beautiful dog belonging to Alvin, hinted at Donell's future fondness for the breed, his own favorite named Bozo.
An early anecdote reveals a curious toddler Donell, barely 2, inquiring about a lit cigarette in the hand of Robert Renfrow, his Uncle George's son-in-law. Despite Alvin's offer to let him try, Donell's careful examination led to a lifelong aversion to smoking. This idyllic early childhood was shadowed by loss when Donell was just 33 months old, as his father passed away in April 1935.
The hardships of the Depression years fell heavily on North Carolina farmers, prompting Esther to raise chicks to sustain her family and the farm. Donell, from his tender years, became an integral part of this effort, tackling any task with a dedication that would become a hallmark of his life. His aptitude for farming and raising chickens blossomed.
Donell's energy extended beyond the farm. At Glendale High School, he shone as president of his 1950 senior class, active in 4-H, the Glee Club, and the staffs of the Echo and Glen-Cedo yearbooks. He played baseball, cheered, earned a place in Who's Who, and served as the class testator, ultimately being recognized as the most talented male graduate, a classmate noting he seemed "Born for success."
His pursuit of knowledge led him to N.C. State, where he joined Kappa Phi Kappa, an honorary education fraternity, serving as Corresponding Secretary. Graduating in 1955 with a B.S. in Agricultural Education, Donell became a devoted Wolfpack fan, often attending games, and notably becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree.
Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive |
Donell possessed a natural warmth and genuine interest in others, often initiating conversations by inquiring about their hometowns, leading to engaging exchanges about shared experiences. This affable nature played a role in his introduction to Alva Louise "Lou" Chauncey.
Donell’s first cousin, Hilda Mae Stancil Hales, who owned a beauty shop in Fremont where Lou was a customer, persistently encouraged a meeting. Despite Lou's initial reluctance, Hilda's determination prevailed.
Lou, hailing from the Pactolus Community in Pitt County and a graduate of East Carolina, shared Donell's rural upbringing and many of his values and work ethics. As a commercial subjects teacher at Fremont High School, she found a connection with Donell, and their three-year courtship culminated in marriage on June 19, 1966, at the Tranters Creek Church of Christ in Washington, North Carolina.
Following their wedding, Donell and Lou initially lived with his mother before establishing their own home across the road, eventually welcoming her into their new residence. Donell was a devoted family man, his care for his mother exemplary. His affection extended throughout the family, drawing relatives to him at reunions.
Raised in the Center Ridge Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir, Donell and Lou were steadfast members. He served as a ruling elder and treasurer for over half a century, a commitment Lou continues to this day.
Applying his agricultural education, Donell expertly managed the family farm near Glendale, primarily cultivating tobacco, corn, wheat, and soybeans. A near-fatal accident in 1956, while spraying tobacco, underscored the inherent risks of farming, but his resilient recovery allowed him to return to the land he loved.
For 17 years, Donell achieved success as an independent producer of fertile eggs for the poultry industry, managing thousands of hens and consistently achieving high hatching rates. Later, he proudly partnered with his son Vann in the Johnston County Youth Tobacco Contest, winning all three years Vann participated at North Johnston High School, even achieving the contest's first perfect score. This mirrored his own father's legacy in tobacco, as Alvin had once traveled to Duplin County to share his knowledge with other farmers.
Donell's leadership qualities quickly garnered recognition. He served on the Kenly Branch of The Heritage Bank board for 32 years, was president of the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, chaired the State Extension Advisory Council, and served on the first Johnston County Forestry Association. His dedication extended to presidencies of the Agricultural Foundation and Farm City Week, earning him accolades from the Governor and the Extension Board. He also served as president of the Johnston County Farm Bureau for many years and on the inaugural board of the Tobacco Farm Life Museum. His expertise led to his selection to head the state Premium Bright Leaf Tobacco Committee.
Together with his brother Glenn, Donell excelled in crop production, twice exceeding 200 bushels of corn per acre and achieving recognition as top soybean producers in Johnston County. Their collaborative spirit also led to significant achievements in the North Carolina Corn Yield Competition.
In 1973, he tested 52 variety of corn. In 1976, he and Glenn raised championship corn. In 1987, he and Glenn were the 3rd-best wheat producers in the county.
| Year | Yield (bushels/acre) |
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| 1982 | 207.9 |
| 1984 | 191.0 |
| 1995 | 211.4 |
Donell's agricultural insights took him on trade missions to Brazil and Argentina in 1986, and he was honored as North Carolina state chairman of Farm-City Week, receiving a proclamation from Governor Jim Martin. In 1988, he and Lou were celebrated as one of Johnston County's outstanding farm families. Their enduring love and mutual support were the bedrock of their life together.
A shared appreciation for their heritage led Donell and Glenn to purchase a tract of land containing a historic slave and schoolhouse, built by their great-great-grandfather George Boyette. Recognizing its significance, they undertook its preservation and restoration. Donell's connection to this history was personal, as his mother was a granddaughter of Larkin Boyette, George's son. The one-room pine structure, with its unique mud and stick chimney, was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1979, a testament to their commitment to preserving the past.
For over five decades, Donell and Glenn also diligently cared for the Stancil Cemetery, the final resting place of their father, grandfather, and numerous other relatives, before entrusting its upkeep to the next generation. Donell's foresight ensured its lasting maintenance. He also safeguarded a fragile sandstone rock, carved by his great-uncle Henry Stancil for the Manley House, eventually placing it beside Henry's grave as a poignant family heirloom.
Donell's impact on his community was profound. The County Farm-City Week committee recognized his significant contributions to the local agricultural economy. His innovative approach to farming and his participation in state-sponsored experiments demonstrated his commitment to progress.
A steadfast supporter of the annual Stancil Reunion, a tradition since 1902, Donell remarkably missed only two gatherings in his lifetime, attending eighty-one. His warm presence and ability to make everyone feel valued made him a cherished family member. He played a vital role in the reunion's logistics, securing locations as it grew, including the move from the original homeplace to the Glendale Community Building, then to North Johnston Middle School, Glendale-Kenly Elementary School, and finally to the Moose Club in Wilson County. In 2011, he was honored for 50 years of dedicated service to the reunion.
Donell also preserved the farmhouse where he and his siblings grew up, a repository of cherished family memories, where his mother lived for many years and which remained a central point for the family.
A childhood knee ailment, successfully treated in Durham, was a minor detour in a life marked by vigor and engagement. His early exposure to poultry, sparked by his mother's raising of chicks and tales of his father's ten-toed chickens, foreshadowed his later success in the industry.
His graduation from Glendale High and North Carolina State marked the beginning of a life dedicated to agriculture, community service, and family. His marriage to Lou in 1966 forged a deep and lasting partnership.
Throughout his life, Donell's involvement in agricultural organizations and community initiatives was extensive, reflecting his deep commitment to service.
Donell passed away on February 15, 2016, at the age of 83, the last surviving grandchild of John Thomas and Delanie Sasser Stancil. His final days included moments of comfort and connection, such as his cousin Delbridge Narron singing a beloved hymn. His funeral at Center Ridge Presbyterian Church was a testament to his life, with eulogies from his son Vann and Dr. De Wayne Eakes, and music that held special meaning for him and his family. He was laid to rest in the church cemetery, survived by his wife Lou, his son Vann and wife Amy, his grandchildren Andrew and Rebecca.
He is survived by nieces: Margaret Elizabeth Mercer Williams, husband Hilbert, Wanda Lorraine Mercer Roberts, husband Gary, Barbara Stancil West, husband George, Judy Stancil Phillips, husband Henry “Hank”, Carolyn Esther Sullivan Eakes, husband De, Lottie Sutton Mercer, widow of A.R., Joan Woodard Stancil, widow of Cecil. Nephews: Reuben Earl Mercer, wife Shirley, Wayne Alphus Stancil, wife Wanda. Great-nieces: Tammie Elizabeth Williams Blackburn, husband Michael, sons Austin Gray, Joshua William; Kristy Lynn Thigpen; Deana Jill Thigpen Fowler; Patricia "Patti" Ann West James, husband Gary, children William Westley, Tricia Annsley; Judith Leigh Phillips Fiol, husband Rafael, sons Marcos R., Ros Henry; Ginger Grey Stancil, children Tyler Williams and Victoria Williams; Cretini Brookes Stancil McCall, husband Marshall, daughter Avery; Mandy Cort, husband Chet and daughter Waverly. Great-nephews: Earl Trent Mercer, wife Barbara, children Candice Mercer Roberts, husband James, daughter Grace; Wendy Adel Mercer; Tyler Trent Mercer; Emily Renee Mercer; Robert Trent Mercer; William Frederick Mercer, Sr., wife Crystal, sons William Frederick Mercer,Jr., Samuel Arden Mercer; Ronnie Lee Kornegay; Eldon Lee Kornegay, Jr., wife Kathy, daughter Sherrie Kornegay Howell, son Timothy Dewayne Howell, Jr.; Rickie Eugene Kornegay, wife Donna, son Robert Lee Kornegay; Mark Stephen Kornegay, wife LaVonda; Craig Ray Mercer, Sr. wife Joan, son Craig Ray Mercer, Jr., wife Christy; Johnny Jerone Williams, wife Rose, children Jonathon Taylor, Carson Rose; George Davis West, Jr., wife Michelle, son Matthew Davis; John Patrick Phillips, wife Robin, son Jonathon Andrew, wife Kimberly; Kevin Wayne Eakes partner John Hyatt, daughter Pluma Rose Hyatt-Eakes, Rodney Warren Stancil, wife Candace, sons Garrett Warren and Chase Lee, Adam Wayne Stancil, wife Allison.
Preceded in death by sisters: Beulah Lindolph Stancil Mercer, husband Flave; Pluma Esther Stancil Sullivan, husband Clement; Virginia Penny Stancil Fulghum, husband James. Brothers: Vernard Alvin Stancil, wife Magdalene; Glenn Warren Stancil, wife Erma Lee. Nieces: Fannie Jean Mercer; Columbia Ann Mercer Kornegay, husband Eldon Lee. Nephews: Albert Ray “A.R.” Mercer, Cecil Warren Stancil.
Donell Franklin Stancil's life was a testament to a deep connection to his roots, a tireless dedication to his community, and an unwavering love for his family. He left behind a legacy of service, integrity, and a profound impact on all who knew him.