POUND, VA.                                          JANUARY 3, 2026

Larry Neil Stanley, 78, of Pound, Virginia, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026 at Pikeville Medical Center from complications from Leukemia.

He was born in a one room, dirt floor cabin, in Pound, VA to the late Rev. Adam Mondo and Anna Ruth Stanley.

Larry was a retired MSHA inspector and proudly served in the Army National Guard, where he retired as a Sergeant First Class. He served three tours in Vietnam and one tour in Desert Storm. He also volunteered several years in the Civil Air Patrol mentoring many youths. Larry loved his country, loved reading, and never ceased learning. He never met a stranger and always loved to talk to anyone who would listen. Larry was never without a tune, often whistling wherever he went; his clear steady whistle was so familiar that family could always tell exactly where he was long before they saw him. Larry accepted Jesus as his savior, and faithfully attended Ferbie's Chapel in Pound, VA. Larry loved traveling, studying history, was a gun enthusiast, a collector of many things, and a self-proclaimed "news junkie."

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rebecca, of Pound, VA; their children, Talitha Sarhan and husband Michael and daughter, Aurelia of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Twana Stanley of Pound, VA; Talena Epling and husband Shaun and their daughters, Teagan, Adrienne, and Easlyn of Pound, VA; A sister, Sherry Venda Johnson and husband Vernon of Lebanon, VA; and a host of family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise, VA. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael Strouth officiating. Procession will leave the funeral home to the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens in Big Stone Gap, VA. where Military Honors and committal will be conducted at graveside. Serving pallbearers will be Michael Sarhan, Shaun Epling, Ronathan Boggs, Dean Johnson, and Dwayne Mullins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in his honor to the Blood Cancer United, or by donating blood through the Kentucky Blood Center (or your local blood bank). https://givenow.bloodcancerunited.org

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.