Benjamin Lively Stanaland, III, 82 of Valdosta, Georgia died peacefully on Saturday, December 24, 2022 at home after a short illness, surrounded by his wife, their children and grandchildren. He was born in Valdosta, Georgia on October 11, 1940 to the late Benjamin Lively Stanaland, Jr. and Dorothy Woodward Stanaland. He attended Valdosta public schools, graduating from Valdosta High School in 1959. He was a Wildcat who played football for legendary football coach, Wright Bazemore, and was elected Captain of the 1958 team. This honor was voted on by his teammates. Ben was named most outstanding player and best lineman at VHS in 1958. He was named All-State in the Class AAA classification and awarded best center in the state as named by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He was a standout student athlete in football, basketball and track. He signed on and with a football scholarship and played his freshman year at the University of Georgia and graduated from Valdosta State College in 1964, now Valdosta State University. While at Valdosta State, he met the love of his life, the former Jane Maddox of Thomasville, Georgia and they were married on June 14, 1964 and were married for 58 years.
After their marriage he went into the family business, Valdosta Greenhouses where he was able to share love and joy during times of celebrations through weddings, holiday celebrations and many joyous occasions as well as helping console those mourning the loss of loved ones through flowers. Through his generosity, many people were blessed. He had a love for supporting his community as well as taking care of members of our armed forces serving at Moody Air Force Base. He was a well-loved boss by his faithful employees and many who call him a friend. He was responsible for the beautiful flowers and decorations of so many happy couples on their wedding day.
Some of his favorite pastimes included playing golf, hunting, fishing, finding and studying Indian artifacts, as well as well as supporting the pastimes of his children and grandchildren. He was always a front row devotee to all of them. He was an avid fan and supporter of the Valdosta Wildcats and was a member of the Wildcat Touchdown Club. He also supported the University of Georgia Bulldogs and the Valdosta State Blazers. He was passionate about his family’s genealogy and researching family history.
He was a devoted and faithful member of First United Methodist Church, where he was active in and former President of his beloved Becky Anthony Sunday School class. He and his wife both enjoyed volunteering to work in the church office as needed. He was a loyal and caring friend to many that knew him. He formed a special bond with his neighbors, and they also cared for him as well.
Ben is survived by his loving wife, Jane of 58 years, by two children and their spouses, Matthew Dudley Stanaland and his wife Karla Giddens Stanaland of Valdosta, Georgia and daughter and her husband, Meredith Stanaland Bass and Geoffrey Newberry Bass of Saint Johns, Florida. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Matthew Dudley Stanaland, Jr. of Valdosta, Laura Lynn Stanaland of Birmingham, AL and Benjamin Maddox Bass of Saint Johns, Florida; his sister, Beth Stanaland Boggs and her husband William Boggs of Jasper, GA and brother Steve Meadows Stanaland and his wife AubRay Martin Stanaland of Hahira, GA and numerous nieces and a nephew and many cousins. He is also survived by his much-loved aunt, MaryBeth Woodward Watkins of Valdosta, GA. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Anthony McPhail and Dr. Charles Adams officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5-7pm at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences may be conveyed online on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Valdosta First United Methodist Church, 220 North Patterson Street, Valdosta, Georgia 31601.
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