Stanley Elias Spradley

Stanley was born and grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi, where he lived for most of his life. He served during World War II in the Army of the United States in the 408th Airborne Quartermaster Company, and he worked as a manager for Ludlow Corporation at the Port of Gulfport for over thirty years until his retirement. Stanley was a member of St. James Catholic Church.
Stanley's formative years in the Depression shaped his hobbies and interests. He was an accomplished carpenter, learning the craft from his father. Stanley could build or fix anything in and around the house, and these skills came in handy rebuilding his family's home after both Hurricane Camille and Katrina. He was the ultimate DIY guy.
Stanley was known by friends and family as a gifted storyteller. He entertained new and old friends alike with stories about hard times, fun times, and the good old days. He also enjoyed discussing politics and the news.
He was preceded in death by Jeanette Martin Spradley, the love of his life, to whom he was married for sixty-three years; his parents, Elias Newton Spradley and Annie Pearl Garlotte Spradley; his siblings, Marian Mae Spradley Hardtner, Katherine Virginia Spradley Kupfersmith, Dorothy Lenora Spradley Roark, Peggy Ann Spradley Wilkinson, and Ben Victor Spradley; and his daughter, Shirley Ann Spradley Norton.
He is survived by his sister Martha Spradley Barrow and her husband Len; his daughter, Susan Spradley Pela and her husband Mike; his grandchildren, Drew Martin Spradley, John Michael Pela and his wife Robyn, and Emily Elizabeth Pela and her fiancé Casey Toner; his great-grandsons, John Hopson Pela and George Elias Pela; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to St. James Catholic School, 603 West Avenue, Gulfport, Mississippi, 39507.
A special note of gratitude goes to Dr. Stephanie Fussell, her nurses and staff, and the nurses in the Memorial Cancer Center Infusion Clinic. We would also like to thank the staff of loving caregivers who assisted Stanley and his family in the last few weeks.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015, from 9am to 10am at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will be held at 10am, with interment following at Evergreen Gardens Cemetery. An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemanfamily.com