Thomas Eugene Stanley, Jr.

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Celebrating the life of
Thomas Eugene Stanley, Jr.May 11, 1930 - September 29, 2008

Thomas Eugene Stanley, Jr. died on Monday, September 29, 2008, at Hospice House, Savannah, GA following a short battle with cancer. He was born May 11, 1930, in Hampton, SC, to Verna Griffin Stanley and Thomas Eugene Stanley, Sr. His was a typical Southern upbringing surrounded by close-knit extended family, attending public schools and participating in the Boy Scouts. He achieved the distinction of Eagle Scout and served as a counselor at Camp Strachan.

After earning a degree in architecture from Clemson College he married Ann Ruffin whom he had courted while she was a student at Greenville Female College and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He was stationed in both Japan and Korea. He developed an appreciation for Japanese architecture, especially the natural woods, vertical boards, wide overhangs, and open spaces which would later become the hallmark of many of his designs.
Working with boyhood friend, Charles Fraser the developer of Sea Pines, Hilton Head, SC, he became one of the original architects, designing the first golf club and many luxury homes and buildings. He went on to create residences, churches, and resort complexes throughout the United States and Caribbean.

He was a former member of the Downtown Rotary Club, the Oglethorpe Club, the Savannah Yacht Club, the Savannah Golf Club, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and various professional societies. He had just completed two terms as a member of the board of Hospice Savannah. His current memberships included The Chatham Club, the Cotillion Club, and Christ Episcopal Church.

His wife, Ann, died in 1996. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law Dr. Thomas and The Reverend Ashley Stanley of Ashville, NC, and daughters and sons-in-law Jenny and Dr. Blake Long of Savannah, GA, and Ann and Burton Williams of Hoschton, GA, and nine grandchildren: Laura, Catherine and Jacob Stanley; Emily, Caroline, and Hannah Long; and Ruth, Thomas, and Katherine Williams, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and friend Dr. Grace Martin.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 3, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. 2 St. Thomas Avenue, Isle of Hope, Savannah, GA. The family will receive guests immediately following the service in the St. Thomas Parish Hall. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests remembrances be sent to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.

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I have such fond memories of Thomas I can't help but smile when remembering him. What a sincere down-to-earth person he was. It was such a pleasure knowing him, and I can only imagine how much he is missed.

- Amy Ferdinandsen Dressler, Seekonk, MA

Our deepest sympathy and love Irving Victor and family

- Irving Victor MD, Savannah, GA

our deepest sympathy ken and sharon

- ken and sharon burch, savannah, GA

Telia and I miss our good friend. Don Harwood

- Donald Harwood, Savannah, GA

Great guy and good friend, Nancy and I shall miss him and cherish the good times we shared.

- Rod Hartmann, Savannah, GA

Jenny and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. What a great legacy Mr. Stanley leaves in his children and grandchildren. Sincerely, Lamar

- Lamar Kirkley, Savannah, GA

It was an honor to have worked with Mr. Stanley when he was on the Hospice Savannah board and to have him in Hospice House for his final days. He will be missed and remembered. Kelly Erola,MD

- Kelly Erola,MD, Savannah, GA