Allison "Lee" Stanley of Blue Ridge passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 19. He was 86 years old. Lee was born on April 7, 1938 to Claude and Monie Stanley. To his father, he was always known as "Sonny."

Lee was a lifetime resident of Fannin County. He was a member of the Blue Ridge Church of Christ and a veteran in the U.S. Army, where he served as a Corporal. Following his service in the military, Lee returned home and started work in the mines at the Tennessee Chemical Company, where he remained employed until retirement.

Lee and his wife Frances loved to travel when their children were younger, taking

mini-adventures all over the United States. After having grandchildren, his favorite pastime became spending time with them, taking them to breakfast and then to thrift stores in search of bargains. He always enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood and family history with both his kids and grandkids...and was known, every now and then, to throw in a few tall tales of the many times he single-handedly saved the world just to make them laugh. As empty nesters, he and Frances took a few mini-adventures on their own, cruising to the Bahamas, taking a few beach trips to Florida and going to visit their family.

After Frances passed away, Lee preferred staying closer to home. He liked nothing better than to drive his beloved truck into Blue Ridge to eat at the Waffle King or Steak House and then spend the rest of his day quietly enjoying the mountains on Aska Rd. He enjoyed watching football and was a devoted Atlanta Falcons fan.

But he always insisted that the best feeling in the world was being a grandparent, and nothing would light up his face more than a call or visit from those who knew him as "Poppy." He was recently overjoyed to be introduced to his great granddaughters, who he referred to as those "little angels." No matter where he was or how weak he was feeling, he never failed to ask about his kids and grandkids. They truly held his heart. He will be forever missed...and forever loved.

Lee was preceded in death by his wife Frances(McDaniel), his parents, Claude and Monie

Stanley, brother, Earl Stanley and sister, Eva Tinch. He is survived by 2 children, Lisa Bell (Stacey) and Jason Stanley (Molly) as well as 6 grandchildren, Chandler Bell (Emily), Katie Bell, Colby Bell, Noah Stanley, Maggie Stanley and Lily Stanley and 2 great-grandchildren, Lorelai and Hope Bell. In addition, Lee is survived by 4 siblings, Ralph (Charlotte) Stanley, Doyle Stanley, Shirley (Bill) Queen and Evelyn Fair.

Services for Lee were conducted on Friday, October 25. A visitation was held at the Akins-Cobb of Blue Ridge from 12:00 - 1:30 pm with a graveside service at Stanley Church of Christ following at 2:00 pm. Min. Aaron Stanley officiated the service. Pallbearers were Stacey Bell, Colby Bell, Noah Stanley, Scott Stanley, Daniel Stanley, and Ben Weaver.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Stanley Church of Christ Cemetery Fund, C/O Scott Stanley at 6768 Aska Road, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations is in charge of the arrangements.