Earl Stancil, 89, of Lula, Georgia, formerly of Norcross, Georgia, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Mr. Stancil was born on November 1, 1934, in Blount County, Alabama, to the late Lee and Mamie Stancil. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Donald Stancil, Harold Stancil, Miriam Cerise, Reba McHenry, Dera Lee Kelly, Verna Stancil, and Betty Green. Earl was the last of his immediate family.
A devoted father and grandfather, Earl raised his children as a single parent, ensuring they had a childhood filled with love, adventure, and cherished memories. His life was defined by his selflessness, always willing to give to others and lend a helping hand. Earl’s career in the garage door industry spanned an impressive 55 years, including 44 years at Doors Unlimited and 11 years at RCS before his well-deserved retirement. Known for his remarkable ability to engineer and fix anything, Earl’s talents extended far beyond his profession. One of his proudest achievements was his work with the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, where, with Ramset, he engineered innovative ways to hang and display heavy art pieces. These methods are still in use today. Earl’s generosity and creativity were also evident in his community. In the 1970s, he founded the first Halloween Carnivals for Gwinnett County Schools, creating unforgettable experiences for countless families. At home, his inventive spirit shone as he built zip lines through the woods and over the family’s swimming pool using garage door cables, providing endless joy for his children. Earl will be remembered for his unparalleled gift of making things with his hands, his ability to connect with everyone he met, and his warmth in giving nicknames to all who crossed his path. He never met a stranger and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, ingenuity, and love for others.
Survivors include his daughter, Allison Stancil, of Lula; son, Steve Stancil, of Commerce; granddaughter, Brandy (Zach) Wilbanks; great-grandchildren, Annabelle Wilbanks, Abram Wilbanks, Amelia Wilbanks; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive family and friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the funeral home prior to the service.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. Mr. Stancil’s wishes were to be cremated following the service and no graveside service will be held.
A reception will follow the service at the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory Family Connection Center at 255 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Attn: Shriners Children’s, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394, or to the Habersham County Animal Shelter, 4231 B Toccoa Hwy Clarkesville, GA 30523
Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.
