Mr. Raymond Stanberry

March 17, 1928 - January 17, 2014

RAYMOND STANBERRY, SR. was born on March 17, 1928. He was the eldest of five children born to the late Wade and Amanda Stanberry of Shelby, Texas. He graduated from East Liberty High School in Center Texas. He joined the army after high school and served dutifully for 27 years. Raymond was a member of the famed “Triple Nickels, the first Black Parachute Infantry Regiment in the US Army. After retiring from the army, Raymond was employed by Ampex Media Corporation for 18 years and later retired in 1991. He joined Bethesda Baptist Church where he served faithfully on the Deacon Board for over thirty years and held the position of treasurer. He was also an active member of the Opelika Planning Commission for many years. Raymond was united in holy matrimony to his beloved wife Julia M. Stanberry in 1955. During his military tour, he lived in Germany, California, Hawaii, and later returned to reside in Opelika in 1972. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wade Stanberry and Amanda Matlock Stanberry, his loving wife Julia M. Bryant Stanberry, sister Ladonia Mosby, and sister-in-law Rebecca Lenton. Raymond leaves behind to cherish his legacy, son, Raymond Stanberry, Jr., (Patricia) and daughter, Brenda Sands Hines and grandson Mateo T. Stanberry (Richmond, VA) brother, Tommy Stanberry (Center, TX), sisters Yvonne Tate (Colorado Springs) and Mary Jean Thompson (Tucson, AZ), brothers-in-law Percy Bryant, and Manzona Bryant, Jr. (Evelyn) Columbus, OH, and a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces, nephews and cousins. Raymond Stanberry leaves a lifetime of memories shared with family and friends. He enjoyed church fellowship and sports, particularly attending his grandson, Mateo’s soccer games and karate competitions. His infectious laughter and smile brought joy to all who knew him. Raymond Stanberry, Sr. will be sadly missed, but NEVER FORGOTTEN.