Richard L. Stanley

Richard L. Stanley, age 78, of Beaufort, North Carolina, passed away on August 16th, 2024 at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A memorial service to honor Richard’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 21st at First Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Jake Young. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m., at the reception hall at the church. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

 Born on January 21, 1946, he was the son of the late Alton W. Stanley and Janie Elizabeth Stanley. He was preceded in death by his dear brother William C. Stanley. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Lucia L. Stanley, his two cherished daughters, Sherry E. Stanley (Steve) and Caroline G. Stanley (Clancy), his grandsons, Jacob (Emylin) and Ethan Parlier, his stepson, Robert Freeman (Gwyneth), his grandchildren, Halsey and Porter Freeman, and his great-granddaughter, Harper Parlier. He is also survived by his brother, Steven G. Stanley, who helped him on many occasions and was dear to his heart, as well as numerous first cousins, who were more like siblings, and many nephews and nieces. All his family was very special to him.

Born in Jacksonville, NC, Richard moved to Beaufort at age 2. He graduated from Beaufort High School in 1964, where he had served as president of the Student Council and played basketball and baseball for the legendary “Seadogs,” who won 91 straight games and finished 3rd in the State during his junior and senior years. He went on to graduate from Wake Forest University and its School of Law. Upon graduating, he was commissioned as an officer in the US Army and served as a Judge Advocate General and Armor officer in the US Army, attaining the rank of Captain.

 He began his professional career as an assistant district attorney in Wilmington, NC, before returning to Beaufort in 1976 to establish his own law practice. He specialized in governmental law, business and property transactions, working with many different partners and clients until his retirement in 2022, and gaining many dear friends in the process. He also dedicated his expertise as a trusted advisor to local governments, working as a town attorney for Emerald Isle for 43 years, and at times serving as attorney for Carteret County and for the towns of Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Peletier and Bogue.

 Richard truly loved the Town of Beaufort and he dedicated much of his life to serving his community. In 2007, he was elected Mayor of Beaufort. During his 10 year tenure, he promoted significant developments in the town including the annexation of Front Street Village and Beaufort East properties to expand the town limits, the construction of a new sewer treatment plant, the purchase of the old Post Office Building on Front Street, the partnership with the National Park Service for ferry operation out of Beaufort, the new Beaufort Fire Stations on 101 and Live Oak, and the construction of a new bridge connecting Beaufort and Morehead City. In 2017, Governor Roy Cooper recognized his contributions by awarding him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state.

 Beyond his career, Richard was deeply involved in his community and church. He served as Chair of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce and President of the Beaufort Historical Association, working to preserve the culture, beauty and special attraction of his beloved hometown. A devout Christian, Richard was an elder, deacon, and choir member at First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City for many years, drawing strength from his faith.

 Even with his many endeavors, Richard made time to practice his favorite hobby of golf, which he enjoyed playing in the company of friends and family. He also appreciated history and architecture, traveling extensively in North America and Europe. In general, he was inspired and restored by the beauty of our earth.

 Richard lived a rich and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family, faith, and community. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Morehead City, the Maritime Heritage Foundation of Beaufort, NC, and the Beaufort Historical Foundation.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Morehead City, N.C.