William "Bill" Stanley

William “Bill” T. Stanley 79, of Fuquay-Varina passed away on August 27, 2025 at Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington, NC.

Bill was born on April 3, 1946, in Jacksonville, NC to the late Frank and Julia Stanley. He grew up in Roanoke Rapids, NC where he played football at Roanoke Rapids High School. Bill was also an Eagle Scout. After graduation, he attended Western Carolina University (WCU) on a football scholarship and is in their Athletic Hall of Fame. He was in the NC Army National Guard from 1970 to 1977. Bill then had a distinguished career with the North Carolina Community College System as the Academic Vice President at Halifax Community College. He retired from that position in 2000. After retirement, he loved playing golf, supporting WCU, and living in Waynesville, NC. 

Bill loved and was loved by his wife of 34 years, Pamela Little Stanley; daughter, Laura Stanley Kellermanns (Franz Kellermanns); grandson, Will Kellermanns; children by marriage: daughter, Sarah Knott (David Knott); grandson, Garrett Knott (Dana Knott); great grandchildren, Beckley Knott and Coy Knott; grandson, Cameron Knott (Julie Knott); son, John Little (Kris Little); grandchildren, McKenzie Little and Cameron Little; brother, Jimmy Stanley (Janice Stanley); sister, Pat Turner; and nieces and nephews. 

To make a memorial gift online, visit www.givecampus.com/campaigns/38240/donations/new and select The William T. “Bill” Stanley and Coach Don Powers Scholarship Fund as your designation. Gifts may also be mailed to: WCU Advancement, 1 University Way, 201 HF Robinson, Cullowhee, NC 28786. Please indicate that the gift is for The William T. “Bill” Stanley and Coach Don Powers Scholarship Fund in the memo line.

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