Richard “Poobah” Leon Stanley
Richard “Poobah” Leon Stanley, aged 90, passed away at home on Friday, April 19, 2024. Richard was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on October 9, 1933, and was preceded in death by his parents, Sterling and Maie, and brother, Robert. He leaves his wife of 69 years, Virginia, son Richard Scott Stanley, daughter Lisa Stanley Mcindoo, son-in-law Bill Mcindoo, and grandsons Sasha, Simon, and Noah.
Richard met Virginia Weller in 1950. Their love lasted a lifetime. Their first date was a hayride at church, a memory Virginia cherishes as both “smelly and uncomfortable” and the “best day of her life.” They were married in 1955 after finishing college at Memphis State University. They both worked at the Social Security Administration, where Richard was employed until retirement at age 77. They lived in the same home in the High Point Terrace neighborhood until 2023, a testament to their enduring love and commitment.
Richard was never one to sit still for long. He could often be found in his wood shop building something for his children or grandchildren or repairing things around the house. He was especially proud of the three-story wooden rocket he built in the backyard for Scott and Lisa.
He was an avid traveler and hauled the family to 49 of the 50 states, more than 20 national parks, and to Canada. In their later years, he and Virginia had many travel adventures with dear friends Leon and Lottie, including a near-disaster luau in Hawaii!
Richard’s true love, aside from his wife, were his children and grandchildren. He and his youngest grandchild Sasha spent many hours watching World War II movies and in the shop building toys and surprisingly accurate historical weapons. It was during these times that he would impart little nuggets of wisdom to his grandchildren like “save every tax return” and “never leave home without an umbrella.” Some of his last words were: “Sasha, cut your beard” and “Who’s paying for all of this?” Practical to the end.
He was an avid philatelist (stamp collector), movie buff, and dog lover, with a delightfully wry sense of humor. He would often have the whole family in stitches without even trying. One of the only things he couldn’t stand were vocal solos at weddings, even though he was a hopeless romantic. He and Virginia loved old Hollywood love stories, especially “Love is a Many–splendored Thing.” Richard was devoted to his wife and would often tell others that the secret to happiness is to “keep your mouth shut and find yourself a Gingie,” his nickname for Virginia.
Theirs was a true love story that will certainly extend beyond the bounds of time and space.
A reception will be held at Church of the Holy Apostles at 1380 Wolf River Blvd. in Collierville on Friday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m. with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.