More detail on this person: Lt Col (Ret) Charles Marion Stancil, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully in his home on August 20, 2014. Charles was born on February 14, 1945 in Bradenton, Florida to Hoyt Leroy Stancil and Anne Martin Stancil. He grew up in Venice, Florida and Snellville, Georgia, graduating from South Gwinnett High School in 1963. Charles was a celebrated athlete and scholar at South Gwinnett, setting many school records and leaving a great legacy. His number 40 football jersey was retired upon his graduation from South Gwinnett, as he had lettered in 4 sports, football, baseball, basketball and track for 4 years earning 16 letters. Charles's jersey currently hangs in the South Gwinnett field house. Charles's distinguished military career began at West Point Military Academy in 1963. Graduating in 1967, he went on to Ranger School in Ft. Benning, Georgia and Flight School in Ft. Hood, Texas in preparation for his time in the Vietnam War, where he served as an Executive Officer in command of a battalion in the 101st Airborne Division from 1970-1971. Charles received numerous awards and commendations for his service and valor in Vietnam, including the Gallantry Cross with Silver Star from the Government of South Vietnam, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal, the Bronze Star Medal. Charles ardently sought higher achievement and education following Vietnam and received a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1974. Continuing his service in the United States Army from 1971-1987, Charles worked with a variety of departments, including the Defense Intelligence Agency from 1974-1976, Development and Readiness Command from 1983-1985, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1985-1987. Significant achievements include involvement in the development of Special Forces Operations Command in Tampa, Florida and serving as the project manager for the development of the Apache Attack Helicopter. Charles received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit for his exemplary performance and service from 1983-1987. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1987. In his civilian life, Charles continued his research in aviation and engineering at ORI Corporation and the Georgia Tech Research institute, where his work centered on mortar munitions technology and battery charging techniques. While at GTRI, Charles developed and coordinated helicopter evacuation systems for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. He holds five patents, and his work has produced invaluable innovations in the aviation, defense, and automotive industries. In addition to his dedication to his career, Charles was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed time on the golf course, especially with his group of West Point friends from company B-2. He also enjoyed a good football game and served his community as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. Charles is survived by his loving wife Patricia Stancil, daughters Christine Stancil Halbfoerster, Anne Whitlow Stancil, brothers Bill Stancil, Jim Stancil, and Hoyt Stancil, Jr., and grandsons Keith Halbfoerster Jr, James Halbfoerster, and Joseph Halbfoerster. Services celebrating Charles Stancil's life will be Monday, August 25, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Tom M. Wages, Snellville Chapel. Interment will follow at Eternal Hills Memory Garden. The Family will receive friends on Sunday, August 24, 2014 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations in Charles's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project 3343 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326. Condolences may be viewed or sent to www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, "A Family Company" Snellville Chapel 770-979-3200, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charles Stancil please visit our Sympathy Store.
Burial information: Eternal Hills Memory Gardens, Snellville, GA
This information was last updated 03/31/2020
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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