JESSEE ROGER STANLEY (aka Knott Stanley)

Jessee Roger Stanley, 72, (aka Knott Stanley) cashed in his chips here on Earth on Sunday, May 26th and used it to buy into the big poker tournament in the sky. Knott was good at a few different professions while he was here. He was an accomplished contractor and roofer, the molding man at Red Oak Trading Company, pool shark, horseshoe tournament ringer, checkers champion of Stephens, professional gambler, and tall tale teller. He never met a stranger anywhere he went from Michigan all the way down to Alabama.

Knott was preceded in death by his parents John Clinton “Chig” Stanley and Eva Estella Shupe Stanley; his wife Bonnie Sue Stallard; his brothers Jake, Ray, Curly, Orza, and Dude; his sisters Sue, Debra, and Hazel (currently winning the big poker tournament in the sky). Left to remember the unbelievable true stories are his son Daniel Stanley (wife Neva Bryan), daughter Majesta Owens (husband Jerry Lee Owens), grandchildren Ethan Blake Owens and Asia Lachelle Bateman, and two fur babies Brownie Durl and Smiley Cyrus. Knott also left behind one brother Donald “Duck” Stanley (the last Stanley standing of his generation), a host of nieces, nephews, distant cousins by blood and marriage, and drinking buddies to keep the legend of Knott alive.

No public service to be held at this time. A private service/poker tournament will be held later. Knott would ask that if you want to honor his legend then you can do something nice for somebody in need or donate to the St. Jude’s Children's Hospital. Honorary pallbearers are Porter Wagoner, Mickey Mantle, Otis Campbell, Marshal Matt Dillon, Deano Jessee, and Roy Bonney. Knott asks that you don’t be sad he’s gone because you will see him again and “oodelally” what a day that will be. 

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.