SFA Graduate, Former East Texas TV Reporter Passes Away at 56
I have made East Texas my home since January 1990. I have always worked in radio in my 31+ years in the Pineywoods. Some who have known me long enough know that I used to be a part time club DJ in the area as well. I played the music at several venues in Nacogdoches including Bullwinkles, Crossroads and Jitterbugs. On occasion, I still play music at Banita Creek Hall.
Most folks do not realize that I also did a little TV work at a station in Nacogdoches. If you were around Deep East Texas back in the early to mid-90s, you may recall KLSB-19 TV. It was a fully staffed TV station located just west of Downtown Nacogdoches. They went head to head with KTRE back in the day. I majored in meteorology at Texas A&M, so I thought I would put my major to work and did some training under the tutelage of Dave Watson at KLSB.
While I was there, I came to know some of the reporters and staff at KLSB, and for that matter KTRE (heck, I married a girl from KTRE and this year we celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary). One of the reporters from KLSB that I was introduced to was Stuart Stanley. The young man from Center had just graduated from SFA and had landed a job at KLSB. I didn't get to know Stanley that well, but I do recall that I was very impressed with his demeanor, his professionalism, his smooth delivery and voice, and mostly with his humility and just being an all-around nice person.
Earlier today, my wife informed me that an online group dedicated to SFA alums had revealed that Stanley had recently passed away at the age of 56. I did some more research and found the verification of the sad news.
According to a story from ABC-13, Stanley passed away on August 7 after a short battle with COVID-19. He worked at several TV stations following his graduation from SFA including the ABC affiliate in Houston. He worked at Carthage ISD and most recently at New Caney ISD.
Stanley's visitation is scheduled for Thursday, August 19 and his funeral will take place Friday, August 20 in Center, according to the Watson & Sons Funeral Home obituary.
I looked at several stories this evening that covered his passing. Words such as loving, caring, professional, and respected kept coming up over and over. Those words go right along with the man that I met nearly 30 years ago. I wish his family and friends peace and comfort. May Jesus be with you.