Thomas Lester Stancil

ANGIER- Thomas Lester Stancil, 76, passed away Thursday at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh, surrounded by his loving family. He faithfully fulfilled his role as the family patriarch, always leading by example. He served his father on the farm, his country in the army, the community through surveying, his family in all things, and his Savior throughout his life. His signature red shirt was well known around town. Some said it was just his favorite color, others knew he was a Wolfpack fan; deep down we think it was a subconscious acknowledgement of his being constantly covered by the blood of Christ. He was a man of few words, but he made them each

count. Living life to its fullest and making the most of every day are just a couple of the legacies he leaves behind. Other legacies he left are evident through the lives of his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Lester is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Smith Stancil; son, Chris Stancil and wife, Marsha of Angier; daughter, Ginger Summer and husband, Drew of Willow Spring; grandchildren, Samuel Stancil, Haylee Anderson, Riley Anderson, Abby Stancil, Naomi Stancil, Elizabeth Stancil, and Luke Stancil; and numerous extended family members. His parents, Thomas Judd Stancil and Thurlean Upchurch Stancil preceded him in death. His second greatest love was in the air. With a heart as big as the sky, Lester enjoyed being in the clouds flying one of his airplanes. Like a sanctuary in the air, he was closest to God and admired all of His creation. He was always willing to share his passion and take anyone up. Oftentimes he would give over the controls and let his passengers experience flying, letting others into his world and sharing a piece of his heart. Now, he doesn’t even need a plane to be near to God, he’s earned his own pair of wings and can experience being in His presence forever.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd at 2:00 pm at Angier Baptist Church. Burial will follow the service at Lakeside Memorial Gardens, Angier. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday, April 1st at Bryan Lee Funeral home in Angier. The family requests that in honor of Lester, please wear your red shirts, if you’d like.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to either:

Angier Baptist Church, building fund or music department, www.angierbaptistchurch.com/give

World Vision Inc, www.worldvision.org/donate.

Leukemia Research givenow.lls.org

Condolences may be made to the family www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com.