John Thomas Stancil » Henry Stancil » Walter Greene Stancil » Thomas Ruffin Stancil » George Lee Stancil

George Lee Stancil

• Married: Marilyn Sue Joseph on May 29, 1971

George married Marilyn Sue Joseph on May 29, 1971.
George's children with Marilyn Sue Joseph Stancil
Jordan Stancil
Nick Stancil
AJ Stancil

George Lee Stancil, Henry Branch, is a large part of the Stancil family legacy in Grayling, Michigan.

George was born July 30, 1948, to Thomas and Georgianna Olson Stancil. George's siblings included Anemari born Jan. 6, 1942, Arnold Thomas born March 2, 1943, and Phillip Justin born May 1, 1951.

His life intersected with that of Marilyn Sue Joseph Stancil, who played a significant role in his journey.

Here’s a glimpse into their story:

• Marilyn Sue Joseph Stancil was born on May 31, 1949, and she hailed from the Joseph family—a lineage deeply rooted in Grayling. Her great-great-grandfather, Hyman Joseph, had immigrated to Michigan from Russia-Poland, and his son, Abraham, settled in Grayling before 1903. Marilyn’s grandfather was William Hyman Joseph, and her parents were William and MarianJoseph. Their contributions were vital in shaping the town.

• George and Marilyn’s paths crossed early in life when she was just 7 and he was 8. They attended school together, and their families were acquainted. Marilyn even lent a hand at the family business—the charmingly named Grayling Mercantile Company (or simply “The Merc”). Imagine her there, surrounded by customers, perhaps arranging sunflowers alongside the canned goods.

• As time passed, their connection deepened. George, ever the romantic, proposed to Marilyn. They planned an elaborate wedding for May 29, 1971. Picture it: the Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church adorned for their special day. And there, from the balcony, George’s dad Tommy and Arnie sang a Sinatra classic, “Always.” 🎶

  “I’ll be loving you always,
  With a love that’s true always…”

• Their honeymoon took them to Cape Cod and other enchanting corners of New England. Together, they embarked on a journey that would span decades.

George Lee Stancil was more than a name; he was a thread woven into the fabric of Grayling’s history. His love story with Marilyn, their shared memories, and the echoes of Sinatra’s song lingered in the air. And when Marilyn passed away on January 5, 2018, the community mourned—a woman who had left her mark, alongside George, in the heart of Michigan.

Marilyn, wife of George, mother of Jordan, Nick and A.J., grandmother of George and Eva Marie, died at 68 at home in Grayling, Michigan.

Marilyn and George both graduated from Grayling High. George was active in school, as a singer, golfer, basketball player and more.

They were excited when they decided to move to Jacksonville, Florida. They both taught at Jean Ribault High School. Marilyn taught 7th grade English and George taught Senior Government. George was very familiar with Florida as he spent part of every school year in Florida until high school.

Marilyn and George especially liked visiting Fort Lauderdale. Tommy, George's dad, loved showing them around his special haunts. Miami is where Tommy met his future wife, Georgianna Olson. During their year in Florida, Marilyn and George did lots of exploring.

George knew the special places he wanted to show Marilyn. These places had special meanings and he couldn't wait to share with Marilyn. Florida was also where George attended school during the winter during his pre-high school years. They returned to Michigan for Christmas.

After teaching in Florida for a year, Marilyn and George missed being near family. They returned to Michigan. While George taught school, Marilyn worked the "Merc."

Marilyn's sons Jordan, born in 1974, Nicolas, born in 1975, and Alexander born in 1979, were Marilyn's pride and joy.

Marilyn returned to her first love of teaching in 1986. She was committed to her students at Crawford-AuSable School. She was kind, friendly and popular. Her unique approach to her students showed her deep care for them.

Marilyn had a lifelong interest in Grayling. She worked hard to make it a better place. She was active in the Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church. In her younger years, she helped with Sunday School and the nursery.

Marilyn and George were married for 46 years and lived in Grayling with the exception of spending one year teaching in Florida.

Marilyn will be missed by the community. She was unselfish and reached out to others with kindness and love. Marilyn was outgoing and friendly. She was loved by everyone. This made her early death even more tragic.

— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil