John William Stanley

John William Stanley, age 79, of Clarksville, TN went to be with his Lord & Savior on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Celebration of Life will be held 1 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2024, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Speight officiating. Burial, US Army Honors, and Clarksville Fire Rescue Honors will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 3-7 p.m. at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, and again on Friday from 11 a.m. until the hour of service at the church.

John entered this life on May 18, 1945, in Clarksville, TN to the late Morris and Ella Stanley. He was a life-long Baptist, and proud believer in Jesus Christ. He was currently attending Clarksville First United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed worship and fellowship. John graduated from Clarksville High School and furthered his knowledge at John A. Gupton Mortuary College, which paved the way for his career in the funeral business. He made his start at McReynolds Funeral Home in the 60’s and later went on to work for both Gupton and Murphy Funeral Homes. John also served in The United States Army, during The Vietnam War. His commitment to his community was evident in his distinguished career as the former Deputy Fire Chief at Clarksville Fire Rescue, where he served from 1976 to 2011. His leadership and dedication made a lasting impact on countless lives. Beyond his firefighting duties, John was an entrepreneur who owned and operated both Stanley Auctioneers and Stanley Signs, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to adapt and thrive in various avenues of service. John was currently employed at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, where he continued to serve families with compassion and respect during their most difficult times. His passions extended beyond work; he enjoyed finding chisel deals, playing golf, and listening to gospel music. He cherished his family above all else and found joy in the companionship of his dog, “Allie”, who was known as his special princess. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, James Stanley.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Jo Ann Stanley; daughters, Melissa Clinard, and her husband, David Clinard, and Michelle Stanley; sister, Linda Stanley; grandchildren, Jonathan (Liz) Witten, Laurann Plunkett, Courtney Plunkett, and Dalton Stanley, and great-grandchildren, Abby Witten, Addi Burgess, Trace Crow, and Kaya Pickersgill. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Jonathan Witten, David Clinard, Chris Sizemore, Johnny Piper, Rudy Johnson, and Stuart Telfer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Forest, Corky Carobene, Butch Schmittou, Nick Mejia, Jimmy Christy, Mike Bowers, Tommy Bagwell, Ricky Thomas, past and present employees of Clarksville Fire Rescue, and the employees of McReynolds- Nave & Larson Funeral Home.

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, 1209 Madison St, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com