John L. Stanley, 87, a lifelong West Virginia resident and student of West Virginia history, moved on to the Big Computer Room on March 31, 2016, after a brief illness.

He was born July 5, 1928, to Joe M. and Elsie Neff Stanley of Burnwell.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 66 plus years, Betty Preece Stanley. Together they had 3 children: Patricia Stanley Showalter (Will), David Stanley (Susan), and Alison Stanley Anderson. Their purpose in life was to bless John and Betty with perfect grandchildren: Andrew, Caryl, Catherine and Max Showalter, Jonathan Stanley (Stacy), Bridget Stanley (Michael Schneider), Christopher Anderson (Dr. Lauren Siff) and Stephanie Anderson Crook (Jason), as well as great- grandchildren, Ethan Anderson and Colton Schneider. Also surviving are sisters, Elsie Sue Stanley Patterson and Donna Stanley McClung; and much loved nephews and nieces.

John was predeceased by his parents, brother, Joe M. Stanley, sister, Teresa Stanley Barnes; granddaughter, Dr. Elizabeth Anderson; and son-in-law, Dennis Anderson.

A 1945 graduate of East Bank High School, who never missed a reunion, John also earned a B.S. from WV State College and a M.S. from the University of Charleston. His dream was to be a professional student. This love of learning was transmitted to his family along with the importance of family values and a strong work ethic.

During his lifetime, John worked as a coal miner, in several Carbide departments, including the instrument shop, purchasing, and the Data Center/Computer Center. He taught many different classes for Adult Education and several at the University of Charleston, was an active volunteer for many years with Habitat for Humanity, and was a fan of baseball ("a game of underappreciated nuance") and the simple delight of sitting on the front porch. He wrote the daily emailed Stanley newsletter, devoured eagerly by family and especially his grandchildren.

John was a man who would spend all day bragging about his family members and their accomplishments to anyone who would listen, but would never say a word about himself or everything he had done. His granddaughters received the gift of knowing they had a special place in his heart. To the delight of all the grandchildren, he was a man of endless colloquialisms. For his sisters, as for all of us, this column is insufficient to sing his praises.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, April 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Chapel of Keller Funeral Home in Dunbar. We ask you to join us in celebration of a life well lived at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, also at Keller Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Wolfe officiating.

And remember: The sun doesn't shine on one dog's hind end all the time.