Gary Wayne Stanley

AIKEN, SC - Gary Wayne Stanley, 79, of Aiken, South Carolina, died peacefully at home January 5, 2021. Gary was born in the small town of Carmi, Illinois, to the late Earl and Blanche Stanley, later moving to rural Kansas where he grew up. Gary lived a life of perpetual motion.

     In 1961, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Reed, at that time they set out building a family and Gary started his career. Gary first started out working for Boeing, where he was involved in the early NASA programs including the Apollo 11 Space Mission.  Gary later joined the Bechtel Corporation in 1971, in his tenure with Bechtel he served in numerous management roles on several major construction projects. During the course of his 50+ year career, Gary and his family moved to ten different cities throughout the United States, eventually moving to Aiken in 1989 where he served as the Vice President of Bechtel Savannah River Inc. After his “retirement” in 2006, Gary consulted for several years on various major projects. Gary was a mentor, confidant and most importantly friend to many people throughout his career.

     His life legacy includes an unparalleled attention to detail, not only at work, but also in his personal life. As all who knew Gary would say, his lawn was always immaculate, and his workspace organized and spotless. More importantly, as a longtime parishioner at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, he applied his management skills serving as a member of the building committee dedicated to the construction of the new church located on Fairfield Avenue. 

     Gary very much enjoyed his “retirement career” working alongside the maintenance team and other volunteers at St. Mary’s Church.

     Gary was always on the move, when not working, he relished his time with his family, especially yearly excursions to the Lake of the Ozarks, Edisto Beach, and the Aiken Steeplechase.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Don.

     Gary is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon; his five children, Perry (Kelly), Beth, Susie, John, and T.J, his seven grandchildren, Craig (Ashley), Amber Harrell, Lori Garrett (David), Austin Harrell, Taylor Harrell, Lucie and Lily Zionkowski; eight great-grandchildren, Jaydon, Colton, Maddix, Addison, Townes, Blakely, Elizabeth Reed & Miley; his beloved sister Barbara Rees and her family, Jason Straub, Mindy, Brian James, and Claire Pierce. 

     The family welcomes visitation Friday January 22^nd from 5:00 – 7:00 at Shellhouse – Rivers Funeral Home on Pine Log Road. The Funeral Liturgy for Gary will be held Saturday, January 23^rd at 11 am at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Aiken, SC with the Very Reverend Gregory B. Wilson as the celebrant.

     The family would like to thank Dr. William Besson and the staff Aiken Internal Medicine and Dr. Jeremy Wells of Augusta Oncology for providing Gary’s medical care.

     We would also like to thank Father Wilson and the staff of St. Mary’s Church for all the love and support over the years.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC