Dennis Joe Stanley 74, of Atlanta, Texas went to be with the Lord January 6, 2024.
Dennis was born July 8, 1949 in Atlanta, Texas to Maurice Stanley and Madeline Fouche Stanley. Dennis retired from Guard-Line, Inc. in 2023. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Atlanta.
Dennis graduated from Atlanta High School in 1967 and from East Texas State University (now known as Texas A&M University – Commerce) in 1971 with a degree in Business Administration. Since 1974, he owned and managed Guard Line Inc., an Atlanta-based manufacturer of industrial safety apparel. Dennis has been a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity for 51 years. He is a Life Loyal Sigma Chi, and received the Grand Consul’s citation for six years. Dennis was a member of the Barons, an honorary service fraternity at East Texas State University for three years. He was elected as an Ambassador for his service to the University in 1999, and served on the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association at East Texas State University for three years, as well as the Board of Directors for the Texas A&M University Texarkana Foundation for four years.
In his hometown of Atlanta, he has serviced the community in multiple ways. He was a member of the Atlanta Baseball/Softball Association Executive Board for six years, and coached little league baseball and softball. He was a member of the Atlanta Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors for ten years, Atlanta Economic Development Committee for Fourteen years and the Industrial Development Board. In 1995, Dennis received Atlanta’s Man of the Year award. He was recognized as Distinguished Alumni for Atlanta Independent School District in 2019. He has always been an avid supporter of Atlanta band and sports and served as past Co-President of the Atlanta Band Booster Club.
One of Dennis’s favorite places to be was at his lake house on Caddo Lake. It is here that he found peace in this world through hunting and fishing in the vast outdoors. There is no other place he would have wanted to be than at his lake house surrounded by close friends and family. It was here he loved to sit on the deck and watch everyone special to him enjoy life as the sun set on the horizon of the Big Cypress River.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Madeline Stanley; and his son, Jon Christopher Stanley.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra Stanley of Atlanta, Texas; daughter, Jana Stanley Swanson and husband Trevor of Atlanta, Texas; three grandchildren, Sydney, Christopher and Cooper Swanson all of Atlanta, Texas; brothers, Eddie Stanley and wife Charlotte of Atlanta, Texas, Lee Stanley and wife Pat of Atlanta, Texas, Mike Stanley and wife Renee of Arlington, Texas; and a number of nieces, nephews, friends, family and fraternity brothers.
The family will receive friends and family Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 12 Noon to 2 pm at First Baptist Church, Atlanta, Texas.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Atlanta, under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service with Bro. Dale Perkins and Bro. Wes Mills officiating.
Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.