Mr. Ralph Brent Stanley, age 56 of Dobson (formerly of Raleigh), passed away on April 17, 2012. He was born on May 24, 1955 to Ralph F. Stanley and Maxine Dockery Stanley. Brent was preceded in death by his father, Ralph F. Stanley. He is survived by his mother, Maxine Dockery Stanley of Dobson; one sister Karen S. Haynes and her husband Tommy Haynes of State Road; and one brother, Chris Stanley and his wife Cindy F. Stanley of Boonville. Brent had no children, but his nieces and nephews were a large source of joy and pride in his life including; nieces, Meredith Haynes McGurn and husband Jon, Amanda Haynes McGovern and her husband Matt, and Kayla Stanley and her fiance Jonathan Norman; and nephew, Adam Stanley. He is also survived by two great nephews, Hayden McGovern and William McGovern. Brent graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and was one of their biggest fans. He served six years in the US Navy aboard the USS South Carolina where he received several awards, including the good conduct award. He later moved to Raleigh where he was a network engineer for IBM, MCI/Worldcom, and Verizon. He lived there until his illness. Brent had a deep love for his family and would drive to Dobson every two weeks for the "Sunday lunch" at his Mom's house. There the family would gather, eat, share stories, laugh, and enjoy being together. He loved photography, books, music, and gardening. Brent had a green thumb, as evidenced by the beautiful flowers at his Mom's house. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Hermon Baptist Church with Rev. James Pardue and Rev. Larry Stone officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service. Flowers will be gladly accepted or memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 688 N. Bridge Street, Elkin, NC 28621 or Hugh Chatham Nursing Center, Attn. Carolyn Caldwell, 700 Johnson Ridge Road, Elkin, NC 28621. The family would like to express their gratitude to Mountain Valley Hospice, the many nurses and CNA's at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital, and especially to the warm, caring staff of Hugh Chatham Nursing Center. Words cannot express the love and kindness shown to Brent and our family during this tragic time. The family would also like to thank Katie White for her care and devotion to Brent. Brent touched many lives during his illness. As a result, stranger would become fast friends. He could always manage a smile for his family and care givers, even on his worst days. We will miss him, his sweet smile, and witty sense of humor. He has found a home among the beautiful gardens of Heaven.
