Stephen “Buddy” Stancil, a well-known figure in the Mount Pleasant community, passed away on July 10, 2026, at Atrium Cabarrus. He was 77 years old.
Born on May 13, 1949, in Cabarrus County, Stancil was the son of the late William and Marie Fink Stancil. He graduated from Mount Pleasant High School with the class of 1968, where he made a name for himself as an athlete.
He was part of the school’s 1964 2A State Championship football team, a title that remained a source of pride for him throughout his life.
A Career of Dedication and a Life Full of Hobbies
Stancil spent 51 years working for BellSouth and later AT&T as a warehouseman, a career that spanned five decades. His commitment to his coworkers extended beyond the job itself. He served as president of the union from 1997 to 1999, taking on a leadership role that reflected his standing among his peers.
Outside of work, Stancil stayed active in sports and community life. He played softball for the Rimer Royals in the St. John’s Church League and also competed in the Charlotte Industrial League. Friends and family remembered him as a jokester who always enjoyed a good laugh.
His hobbies kept him busy well into his later years. Stancil was an avid gardener who loved sharing his harvest with anyone willing to take some home.
He also enjoyed woodworking and spent time fishing in local ponds. When the chance arose, he headed to the coast for deep-sea fishing trips out of Southport in search of king mackerel. He was known as a devoted NASCAR fan who followed Dale Earnhardt, and he carried a lifelong loyalty to the UNC Tar Heels.
Family, Services, and How to Honor His Memory
Stancil is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janet Hill Stancil, and his son Brian Stancil.
He also leaves behind his brother Richard Stancil and wife Sylvia, along with his sisters Ailene Monroe, Kimberly Coyle, and Karen Harris and her husband Greg. He is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.
At his request, a visitation was held from 5 to 7 pm on July 16, 2026, at Gordon Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant, located at 8559 Cook St. in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina.
The Stancil family expressed gratitude to the staff at Mount Pleasant House for the care they provided to Buddy over six years.
Those wishing to honor his memory can send donations to Rimer ECA Community Projects at 6575 Hwy. 73 E in Mount Pleasant, or to Oak Grove Methodist Church at 32056 Herrin Grove Rd., also in Mount Pleasant.
