Darence “Coon Dog” Stanley, 75, of Center, passed away Saturday, September 5, 2020, in Nacogdoches.  He lived a long and healthy life until a recent blood disorder diagnosis which led to his unexpected death from pneumonia.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at Central Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Danny Dodson and Bro. Eddie Grimes officiating.  Interment will follow at East Hamilton Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born July 9, 1945, in Center, Darence is the son of the late Dalton Stanley and Thursie Marie Davis Stanley.  When he was a little boy, his Daddy started calling him “My little Coon Dog” and it stuck with him. When he grew up and became a truck driver, it was his “perfect handle.”
He married Billie Nichols in 1968.  They will celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary the 28th of this month.  He had a love for antique cars and trucks and they went to many car shows.  The Lord blessed them to be able to do some traveling and they got to see some of His creations that they never dreamed of getting to see as they were growing up.

They were blessed with two sons, Brian and Jason, that he shared his love for cars with.  On November 5, 2017, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  After that, he loved being with his church family and never missed a service unless he was very sick.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Stanley of Center; sons, Brian Stanley and wife Stacey of Kountze and Jason Stanley and wife Beverly of Joaquin; grandchildren, Colton, Garrett, Brenden, Hannah, Lanie, and Kennedy; and great granddaughter, Gracie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dalton Stanley and Thursie Marie Davis Stanley; brother, Elton Lee Stanley; and sister, Joyce Hollis.

Pallbearers will be Brian Stanley, Jason Stanley, Colton Stanley, Garrett Stanley, Brenden Stanley, Waylon Griffith, and Monte Griffith.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com