F.I. Stanley graced this earth for 90 years. He had a good life; he left today for the best life, but not before making life better for those who knew him. He began preaching as a kid, one of a family of preachers – his dad & all his brothers. My attempt at recapping his life will be what it looks to be – a weak effort.
He preached for several churches in TX during his lifetime; he is remembered in NW AR for his years at the Center Street congregation in Fayetteville. He served on staff here for over 2 decades & as one of our shepherds since 1991.
He authored many books, one a commentary on Revelation & others on subjects many preferred to avoid, including the role of women, divorce & remarriage (Pat Casey said it was the best & most consistent he had read), tradition vs. scripture & the Holy Spirit.
For years, he debated extensively. Most topics mean little today; in their time, they were huge: 1) support of orphans; 2) Bible classes; 3) salaried staff; 4) kitchens in church facilities; 5) communion cup or cups (he debated the man who, quite literally, wrote the one-cup book – a classic debate; 6) topics of the above-mentioned books & more. He conducted meetings & revivals for decades. He devoted his life to local congregations. He was at his best when teaching. His love for scripture was evident in his patience & research.
He played baseball, football & boxed as a young man. He remained fit – heck, a physical speciman. He was the strongest 70, then 80, then 90 year old I’ve ever known.
My personal experiences are priceless. If I ever write my memoirs, there will be an F. I. Stanley chapter. He touched many lives & he will be missed by us all. His family cared for him with kindness & devotion. Nobody could have received better attention. Rita said they heard him say recently, “Lord, I’m ready. Please take me home.” He lived in confidence of God’s promise to never leave or forsake him. God always keeps His promise.
Ps. 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
F.I. Stanley and my father were preaching and debating buddies (not always on the same side) back in the middle of the last century. They respected each other and both had a love for the truth, regardless of what men might say. My father died when I was 10 and in my teenage years I came to know and love F.I partly because he was a tie to my dad, but later as a man who loved the scriptures, and loved the church. I really got to know him when I was a young preacher in Houston, Texas in the early ’70s and have had an appreciation of him since. He will be missed, as an example of what it means to love the truth of Scripture, and as a friend. Rev. 14:13
Edwin Myers
You know me as Felicia and Matthew Comer’s mom. I am married now and live in Florida. F.I. met me at the door of your church building when I walked in for the first time and he never left my side or was far from my reach when I needed him. He never turned me away. F.I. literally saved my life, taught me the true meaning of God’s love, helped me heal through many traumatic experiences, and lived all that he believed. I miss F.I., the talks we used to have, and his wonderful family. I am comforted that he is with God. I know that F.I. is still with me in all that he taught me and his propensity to be ornery. I love you, F.I.
Melodie (Comer Pyle) Ikeguchi