Grandpa

J. Stanley Smith
December 21, 1917 to May 10, 2007


A life time of relationships and accomplishments is hard to sum up, but J. Stanley Smith finished his course well. He died peacefully Thursday, May 10th as his precious wife of nearly 65 years sat near him in their family-built ranch home.
His life began in Chandler, Colorado -- a coal mining town that no longer exists -- and his parents, John and Margaret taught Stanley and his brother, David how to work hard, stretch a dime and play ball. A bus ride from Colorado to California moved Stan toward the football scholarship that Loyola University awarded him. WWII motivated Stanley to volunteer for the U.S. Navy on December 8, 1941. Somehow this Colorado boy became an officer and “Skipper” of P.T. boat, Ron 11. He participated in 100 Pacific missions his first 18 months; during his second tour Stan was executive commander of P.T. boat, Ron 12 for eight months, then the war ended. He continued in the Naval Reserve after the war and retired as a commander.
Stanley played on LA’s first pro-team, the Bull Dogs for five years; he always wanted to be a coach. He began working toward his dream by joining the L.A. school system in 1945 teaching delinquent boys. Next he taught high school English, history, journalism and began coaching football and baseball. His dream was fulfilled as he coached varsity football with successful teams for 20 years. (One streak of 10 wins in their league and a city championship in 1964) but his greater joy was helping his players go on to college where most graduated into various professions from pro football to law! He enjoyed his career of teaching young boys to “become MEN” so much that he’d say “I never worked a day in my life!” His players continued visiting “coach” up through his last days.
Interlaced with Stan’s careers was his faithful relationship with his spunky wife, Connie Bell as they raised their children Carol (Looie), Bruce, Craig, Sally, Jacque’, Mark, and Ellen who gave them eighteen incredible grandchildren and twin grandbabies. In 1981 after the seven were in college or onto their careers Stan and Connie moved to Arroyo Grande where Stan enjoyed trying his hand at ranching. Stan continued with volunteer coaching, some travel and teaching his grandchildren to “be responsible!”
Written by my Aunt Sally