Freeman Durward Stancil
Josiah Fernandas “Fernie” Stancil
Fernie was born June 19, 1917, and died Aug. 17, 1991. He is buried in Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson, NC.
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Fernie's children
With Doris |
Flora Jean Stancil |
| Steven Arthur Stancil |
| Edith Dianne Stancil Bailey |
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| Fernie, Doris with children Flora, Steve and Dianne in 1965. Family photo |
Josiah Fernandas “Fernie” Stancil was born on June 19, 1917, to Freeman Elbert Stancil and Flora Hinnant. Flora named him Josiah after her father and Fernandas in memory of her brother who died young from typhoid fever. She affectionately called him “Fernie,” a nickname that stuck with him throughout his life.
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| Fernie and Durward in 1919. Family photo |
Fernie stood about 5’8” tall and weighed around 155 pounds. He worked as an insurance salesman in Wilson, North Carolina. Glenn Stancil, a family member, fondly remembered Elbert and Fernie visiting in an Austin Coupe, a testament to their close-knit family ties.
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| Durward and Fernie in 1943. Family photo |
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Fernie served as a sergeant in the Marines during World War II. His military career was marked by significant events. He was having breakfast in a café in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941. Later, he was on a ship near the coast of Japan when Hiroshima was bombed. Fernie also participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal, which lasted from August 7, 1942, to February 9, 1943. During this time, he and other Marines were stranded on an island in the Pacific Ocean for six months, leading many family members to believe they were dead.
On August 26, 1946, Fernie married Doris Lee Scott. Together, they had three children: Flora Jean, Stephen Arthur, and Edith Dianne. Fernie and Doris worked together to establish a successful independent insurance agency in Wilson. Nancy, a family member, recalled seeing them sitting at the kitchen table, diligently working on the books.
Fernie was known for his entertaining and fun-loving nature. He had special nicknames for all his children, adding a personal touch to their family life. He was an active member of the Five Points Baptist Church, which later moved and became Forest Hill Baptist Church. Christmas was a particularly special and memorable time for Fernie and his family.
After retiring, Fernie developed colon cancer and passed away on August 17, 1991, at the age of 74. He was laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery in Wilson, North Carolina. Fernie’s life was marked by dedication to his family, his community, and his country, leaving a lasting legacy for those who knew and loved him.
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