Melvin Gentry Stanley Sr, 101 of Chesterfield, VA passed away on August 10, 2023.

He was born in Buckingham, VA to the late Melvin and Edith Eppert Stanley. He worked on the family farm until he went to work at Newport News Shipyard. He then served his country in the US Navy. He fought in WWII where he received 6 Bronze Stars for his service. He came home and married the love of his life Dorothy Wilkerson Stanley, together they raised 2 children.

He stayed in contact with his shipmates from the USS Knox and never missed a reunion with them. After he retired he loved to go to yard sales and work on lawn mowers. He could always be called on and available to his local community to help out whenever needed. He lived on his own, even cutting his own grass up until his death. He was an amazing man who was well loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife and 2 sisters Virginia DeLarenzo and Anne Berry.

He is survived by his son Melvin "Gentry", his wife Dianne of Powhatan, VA a daughter Betty Joyce Leonard from Chesterfield, VA, 2 grandchildren David Peregoy and Shannon Jenkins and his sister Margaret Carter.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 11:00AM in Trinity Memorial Gardens, Rice, VA. Puckett Funeral Home is serving the family.