Obituary of Stanley Renfro

Stanley Melvin Renfro On Monday, November 12, 2012, God reached out his hand and took Stanley M. Renfro (87) home. We rejoice in the knowledge that he has passed the barrier of time as we know it and is forever at home, and at peace, with God. His son, Mitchell L. Renfro, predeceased him on December 31, 1998. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Molly. His children are Michael (Kelly), Mark (Pam), Marilyn McNaughton, Martin (Elizabeth), Michael (Lilly) Ackley, Donald (Kimberly) Ackley, Melody (John) Jelinek, Deborah Ackley-Bomysoad (Larry Barnhart); 19 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Stanley is also survived by his brothers, John Howard (Patsy) and Wallace (Leanne); and sisters-in-law, Greta Renfro and Gloria Renfro. He entered God's Mortal Kingdom, at a very tender age, on July 25, 1925 in the Auglage Township in southwest Missouri. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the US Navy in naval schools throughout the U.S.; he served as a plank owner on a CJ-21, the USS Boxer aircraft carrier. He was awarded his honorable discharge from the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. He earned the following five medals: American Campaign, World War II Asiatic Pacific Campaign, Asia Occupational Service, and China Service. Afterwards, he served in the Coast Guard for two years in the Air Sea Rescue at Floyd Bennet Field, Brooklyn, NY. He retired from IBM (Owego plant). Prior to that he worked for the General Electric and Sears Companies. He was an active member of Apalachin United Methodist Church, which he served faithfully and displayed the Christian graces which today so richly bless our memories. His weekly service for more than 29 years to Tioga County Meals on Wheels was evidence of his commitment to his faith. For many years Stan enjoyed ballroom dancing that he learned at the Arthur Murray Dance Studios. He was also an avid sports fan. When he was younger, he participated in bowling and fast-pitch softball leagues. He also regularly enjoyed golfing, horseshoes, and playing cards, including Bridge and Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle and Euchre. Travel, reading and history (especially the Civil War) were notable among his many interests. Calling hours will be Thursday, November 15, from noon-2 p.m. The Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at Apalachin United Methodist Church, 303 Pennsylvania Avenue in Apalachin. The committal service will take place at Apalachin Cemetery on Marshland Road. Stan was a cancer survivor. Donations may be made in his name, in lieu of flowers, to the Roswell Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY, or Apalachin United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home Inc., Apalachin.