Raymond “Ray” Stanley was born on January 26, 1934, to Fern and Raymond Stanley. He grew up with his brother, Don, who preceded him in death.

On September 5, 1953, Ray married the love of his life, Mary Lou, in Vernon, Wisconsin. Together, Ray and Mary Lou built a life centered on family, faith, community, friendship, and many happy years at their home on Lake Wapogasset. Mary Lou preceded Ray in death.

Ray is survived by their five children, Joni Erickson, Lynn Stanley, Michelle Sprunck, Steven Stanley, and Scott Stanley; four grandchildren, Amy (Jay) Hariani, Brett (Lexi) Stanley, Taylor Stanley, and Wesley Erickson; and six great-grandchildren, Everly, Hayden, Ashwin, Priya, Kiran, and Jack. His family was a tremendous source of pride and happiness throughout his life.

Ray began his career as a charismatic candy salesman with Pearson’s Candy Company, a role that perfectly suited his outgoing personality and natural ability to connect with people. Candy sales were in his heart, and over the years he made hundreds of friends through his work. Ray had a gift for conversation, genuinely enjoyed meeting people, and carried that warmth and enthusiasm into everything he did.

Ray was deeply committed to serving his community. After settling in Amery, he became an active member of the Lions Club and spent many years serving in leadership roles within the organization. He was especially passionate about the Lions’ work, helping people with vision impairment and providing access to eyeglasses. Ray also took great pride in selling the Lions’ annual fundraising calendars and, for many years, was the club’s top seller, a distinction that combined two of his greatest talents: supporting a cause he believed in and talking with just about everyone he met.

Faith was also an important part of Ray’s life. He was a longtime member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Amery, Wisconsin, where he spent countless Sundays worshiping and participating in church services. The church was another community in which Ray found fellowship, friendship, and a sense of belonging throughout many years of his life.

Lake Wapogasset held a particularly special place in Ray’s life. He and Mary Lou enjoyed many wonderful years at their home on the lake, where Ray was active in the Lake Wapogasset Association and held leadership positions within the organization. He also loved snowmobiling and participated in an annual ride that raised money for multiple sclerosis, riding in honor of a former employee. It was another example of Ray’s instinct to turn something he enjoyed into an opportunity to help others.

Ray was also a devoted Green Bay Packers fan. When the Packers were playing, everyone knew not to interrupt the game. He proudly passed that loyalty along to his sons and made sure the next generation understood what it meant to cheer for the green and gold.

Throughout their marriage, Ray and Mary Lou also shared a love of dachshunds and welcomed several into their family over the years. In his later years, his dachshund Hans became an especially faithful and beloved companion.

Ray will be remembered for his devotion to Mary Lou and his family, his faith, his love of Lake Wapogasset, his commitment to the Lions Club and his community, and his ability to make friends wherever he went. Whether he was selling candy, selling Lions calendars, attending church on Sunday, riding a snowmobile for a good cause, watching the Packers, or simply spending time with the people he loved, Ray approached life with enthusiasm, loyalty, generosity, and genuine enjoyment of others.

His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he made, the communities he served, and the many lives he touched throughout a life well lived.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI with a visitation one hour prior. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Amery Lions Club, an organization that meant so much to Ray throughout his life.