Jesse Herbert (Herb) Stanley (78) passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on June 6, 2020, in Jacksonville, FL. He was born October 17, 1941, in Bonifay, Florida and was reared in Pensacola, Florida. Herb treasured his rural West Florida roots and adored his relatives, scattered from Bristol and Bonifay to Pensacola.
Herb is predeceased in death by his parents, Barnard Herbert Stanley, and Myrdell Eloise Stanfill, who lovingly gave Herb and his sisters and brother all the love, support and opportunities to have wonderful, successful lives.
Herb graduated from Pensacola High School, Pensacola Junior College, (now Pensacola State College), and Florida State University (1963). From his parents and grandparents, he developed a great love for education. He taught high school social studies for two years, sold K-12 textbooks for eleven years, then joined Florida School Book Depository in Jacksonville for 42 years, serving as President for most of those years. In his high school, college and teaching years, Herb was employed by the YMCA in Pensacola.
Growing up, Herb was very involved in East Hill Baptist Church, Pensacola, FL. After his marriage, Herb became a devout Catholic and served in many volunteer capacities at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Jacksonville, FL., and the Diocese of St. Augustine.
Herb was a knowledgeable sports fan, and especially loved Dodger Baseball and all Florida State University sports. He loved jazz, the Jacksonville Symphony, and any live music. He treasured his family, and was so proud of each one of his children and grandchildren. They were a constant source of delight, and he enjoyed watching each one develop.
Herb was the consummate host, whether at home or entertaining business associates, and embraced anyone who came into his home, which is affectionately know as the “4815 B & B” by relatives and friends. He always made sure he had the foods that were special to each visitor, and his homemade breakfasts (an outgrowth of his West Florida upbringing) were legendary and always a treat.
In addition to his parents, Herb is predeceased in death by his brother, William Stanfill Stanley. Herb is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margaret DeHoff Stanley; children Elizabeth Stanley Ling (John), Travelers Rest, SC; Bryan Sarah Stanley, Fernandina Beach, FL; and Nathan Perry Stanley (Tennille), Jacksonville, FL; five grandchildren Morgan Erik Ling (Cole), Holly Springs, NC; Margaret Caroline Ling, and Connor Andrew Ling, Travelers Rest, SC; Jesse Lyle Stanley and Mary Blythe Stanley, Jacksonville, FL; sisters Permelia (Pam) Stanley Lastowski, Tallahassee, FL; and Elizabeth (Beth) Stanley Miller, Pensacola, FL; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, and extended family members.
A Vigil Service is scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2020, 5:00, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5752 Blanding Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL, 32244. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday June 13, 2020, 11:00 at Sacred Heart. The Church is able to safely accommodate with social distancing all who wish to attend. Masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be directed to:
Catholic Charities, 40 E. Adams Street, #320, Jacksonville FL 32202.
Or:
The Herb Stanley Fund at the FSU Foundation, which will provide scholarship and educational support to deserving students from historically disadvantaged groups, in conjunction with the goals of the FSU football team. Donations payable to: The FSU Foundation. Please include “The Herb Stanley Fund” in the memo line and mail to FSU Foundation, 325 West College Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32301. Online giving is available at https://foundation.fsu.edu. Online, please include “The Herb Stanley Fund” in the notes section.
Arrangements are with Evergreen Funeral Home & Crematory 4535 Main St. www.evergreenjax.com (904)353-3649
6 Comments
Herb was a remarkable man. Kind, fair and real fun guy to be around. His dedication to Florida and its educational system was above and beyond. He really supported the whole educational system and took no credit for all his successes. I know he made his mark on this world and we will miss him dearly. I had the pleasure of working beside this man for many years and he made me a better person for having his influence in my life. FSBD will miss you my dear friend, I hope when you got to heaven the Lord had a good spread awaiting you, God has to know how you love a good dinner and fine glass of wine. Melinda
Herb, you were in Tallahassee to greet me in 1976 when our mutual FSU and legislative advocacy friendship began and has lasted through all these years. We shared many a meal philosophizing and solving world and state problems. In recent years, we, our spouses and friends enjoyed FSU games in Boston and elsewhere. I learned much from you and am richer today because of our friendship and your endless kindnesses, caring and knowledge. I look forward to meeting up, again, where, no doubt, you’ll be waiting to greet me once again. Meanwhile, I will miss you much and do my best to keep your teachings and our cherished times in my heart. Vern and Lila.
Herb was one of the first people I met when I started my publishing career in 1984. I had moved from Atlanta to Tallahassee and I was instructed by my boss to go over to Jax and visit FSBD. Herb spent a lot of time with me not only then but throughout my 30 years in the industry. I considered him my mentor and my friend. Later as I got into management I served on some committees with Herb and really got to appreciate his savvy, his insights, and his overall knowledge of the legislative process and most importantly what was best for the boys and girls in Florida. I thank God for the moments I had with Herb.
I had the pleasure of being one of Mr Stanley’s students in 1965 at Pensacola High. It was obvious that he was passionate about history, teaching and connecting with his students. He inspired me to enter the teaching profession after my graduation from FSU. Like Mr. Stanley, I did not stay in the classroom long, but found a way to make an impact in other ways. I always wondered what happened to him and am so glad to know that his life continued to make a difference to so many. I can still see him in front of the class, standing behind his little podium, wearing his skinny tie, as was the style in those days. He impressed this student and I send my love and sympathies to his family. Please know that he made a difference!
One of the best teachers kind hearted caring sure left great memories rip we will miss you
One of the best teachers kind caring one of the better memories of phs you will be missed rip
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