Leland Whaley Stanley Jr. 79 years old of Wingate, N.C. was born on December 30, 1943 and passed away at his home on March 23, 2023 following several years of declining health. He grew up in Ocean Drive beach, S.C. He received his education from Wampee Little River High School in South Carolina and then went on to graduate from the University of South Carolina with a Business degree. Gamecocks fan for life. He had a successful business career that included Medical Supplies/Equipment and National sales for Photographic Processing Equipment and Insurance sales. World travel via air helped bestow him with the Eastern Airlines Highest Frequent Flier Miles award of the Southeast Region. He was a proud member of the United States Navy where he served on the USS America during the Vietnam War in 1966.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leland Whaley Stanley and Mary Francis Stanley, brother Bubba (Michael) Stanley and his grandsons Dillon Collodi and Benjamin Brown.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years Belva Brewer Stanley of Wingate, N.C. Daughter Mary Claire Brown (Michael) and grandchildren Sarah, Isabella, Andrew "Bubba", and Eli from Newton, N.C. Daughters Shane Vickers, Cameron Jones (Greg) and granddaughter Taylar Jones of Wingate, N.C. Daughter Jay Hargett (Jayme) and grandchildren Hayley Johnson (Rivur), Kaylin Parker and Trace Hargett of Monroe, N.C. One sister Claire Stanley Stuart (Charlie) of Longs, S.C., niece Grayson Lombardi (Cameron) of West Palm Beach Florida.

Numerous lifelong friends, business associates and relatives survive him to continue to remember the love and laughter he shared with them. The most memorable attributes left by Nini cannot be shared due to content but if you knew him you know what those memories entail. He loved so many various activities during his life. Golfing in Scotland, Augusta National and Pebble Beach, CA to name a few courses. Musically inclined, he could play any song by ear on the piano, trumpet or ukelele. Shag dancing, fine wine and liquors, Cuban hand rolled cigars, cooking delicious foods for family and friends, Gamecock football, USA Navy reunions, KMA, THUMBS and Sonny reunions, preppy clothes, spit-shined dress shoes and loafers, old tv shows/movies and talking on the phone. If you were a friend you probably got very late night calls from him to laugh and remember.

His humor, laughter and bad behavior in public for laughs will always be stories told to others and leaving you with that memory will be forever his legacy of a life well lived. Loving him for over 40 years has been an honor and his gentle caring side will leave all of us better for having been in his life.

His Celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Stanley Family.