William "Bill" L. Stanberry, Sr.

William "Bill" L. Stanberry, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, in Minden, Louisiana, at the age of 92. Born on March 1, 1932, in Baird, Texas, Bill was raised in Haynesville, Louisiana, where his roots ran deep and his love for family, storytelling, and adventure flourished.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Minden, Louisiana, officiated by Dr. Randy Hales and Bro. Brett Cook. Interment will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Haynesville, Louisiana, under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the church starting at 8:30 a.m., before the service.

A proud graduate of Haynesville High School, Class of 1951, Bill continued his education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, earning a degree in Agriculture. In 1951, he married his high school sweetheart and homecoming queen, Marilyn Spivey, beginning a love story that would last over 72 years. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, family, and countless adventures.

Bill's career took him from the oilfields of Louisiana to a remarkable 31-year journey with the Boy Scouts of America. He served in councils across the country, including Little Rock, AR; Jackson, MS; Columbia, SC; North Platte, NE; and New Iberia, LA. As a Scout Executive, Bill led numerous camps and national events, including the 1981 National Jamboree. His dedication to scouting left a lasting legacy, and he cherished the countless friendships he made along the way.

In retirement, Bill and Marilyn enjoyed their time between Lake Bistineau and Haynesville, spending their days fishing, watching Haynesville High football, and doting on their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill was an avid fisherman, an enthusiastic traveler, and a master storyteller who loved recounting tales from his life and the history of his hometown. His pride in his heritage and love for his family was evident to all who knew him.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents, Hugh and Alma Stanberry; his brother, H.A. Stanberry; and one great-grandchild.

Left to carry on his memory are his devoted wife, Marilyn Stanberry of Minden, and their sons, William L. Stanberry, Jr. and wife Angela of Ponchatoula, Terry Stanberry and wife Rachel of Lafayette and Brady Stanberry and wife Kimberly of Heflin. Bill is also survived by his nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, who will forever treasure the love and laughter he brought to their lives.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Jeremy Stanberry, Trey Stanberry, Wade Stanberry, Christopher Stanberry, Bryant Stanberry, and Jacob Jarreau.

Bill's life was full of love, adventure, and a commitment to family and community. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his stories will continue to bring joy for generations to come.