Merl Smith Stanley, Jr.

Merl Smith Stanley Jr. passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Monday, June 23rd, 2025.

He was born on April 22, 1957 in Mount Holly, New Jersey to the late Merl Smith Stanley Sr. and Virginia (Scearce) Stanley.

Growing up in the Valdese area, Merl was affectionately known as “Smitty” by his close friends. He was a member of the Freedom High School graduating class of 1975, later earning his Associate’s Degree in General Education from Western Piedmont Community College.

Merl enlisted to serve his country and completed basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. As a proud veteran, Merl served in the United States Army from 1976 to 1979 as a Missile Crewmen at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Merl then spent many years working in food service management prior to working at and retiring from the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Whether at work, at an appointment or an encounter with another veteran in the community he appreciated the opportunity to share the comradery of his fellow Veterans.

He was a proud member of the Mount Mitchell Shriners as well as Mystic Tie Masonic Lodge in Marion, NC. He had a passion for aviation, military history and memorabilia, classic cars, and building model kits even from childhood. Some of his favorite memories were helping others as Merl never met a stranger. His belief was that no act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted. Although a man of few words, Merl was always a very proud man, particularly of his children and his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments.

He married Jessica Brandt in North Topsail Beach, NC and she survives. Also surviving are his children: Daniel (Shannon) Stanley of New Braunfels, TX and their children, Annelise and Daniel Jr; Brittney (Nathaniel) Cauthen of Nebo, NC and their son Gus; and Garrett (Brittany) Stanley also of Nebo, NC, and their son Keaton. Merl thoroughly enjoyed any opportunity he got to spend time with family. Some of his favorite times spent with his children and grandchildren that he looked forward to were Saturday lunch/ice cream outings with Brittney and Gus, Tuesday dinners with Garrett and Keaton, video calls with Dan, Annelise and Daniel Jr and visits to their newest duty station and any time the whole family could get together and make memories and share in each other’s company. One of his most cherished and fond memories was of their family trip to the Outer Banks.

Visitation will be held at Beam Funeral Service & Crematory in Marion, NC on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the funeral home with Bill Blankenship officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery in Granite Falls, NC.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials can be directed to a charity of their choosing in his name or to the family in care of the funeral home. Merl’s favorite color was blue; he shared his wish for those attending to wear any shade of blue in his honor at his services.

Online condolences may be sent to www.beamfuneralservice.com.