John D. Stanley, age 86, of Knapp Avenue, Morehead, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at Pioneer Trace in Flemingsburg, Kentucky. Born January 4, 1926, in Itawamba County, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Jess E. Stanley and Lula Lesley Stanley. John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mildred G. Stanley; one son, Dr. Rodney B. Stanley and wife Donna of Morehead, Kentucky; one granddaughter, Melissa Bealert and husband Gary, and one great granddaughter, Hannah Bealert, all of Owingsville, Kentucky; two sisters, Verna Kyle of Dorsey, Mississippi, and Earlene Newman of Aberdeen, Mississippi; and several nieces and nephews. John is also survived by Wayne Stinson, a special friend who encouraged him and spent countless hours with John following the onset of his illness nine years ago, as well as Noah Logan and Vernon Lewis, who also provided much encouragement and motivation. John was a U.S. Navy veteran and a retired Morehead State University Professor of Education. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and telling stories from the past. A gathering of family and friends will be on Friday, May 18, 2012, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one-s favorite charity. Visitation: Friday, May 18, 2012, from 5 - 7 p.m.