On February 15, 1936, in Birmingham, Alabama, the world welcomed Stanford Smith, and all those who knew him were blessed for 89 years. He was the only beloved child of Rosie and Leroy Smith. Growing up in Powderly, he was active and full of energy, always involved in his community, school, and church. Those early years shaped his strong work ethic, compassion for others, and love for staying connected to the people and places that mattered most. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Powderly and his love for music was birthed in the church where he learned to play the piano and both sang and played in the choir. Stan took those same talents to high school where he also played the trumpet in the band. Stan was a hard worker, and his first job was delivering newspapers at 10 years old. He used that money to buy his first car and attend college. He was the first person in his family to attend college, and he graduated from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, with a B.A. in Music. During college, he learned to play golf, was in the choir and on the track team, and met many people who became lifelong friends.

After graduating from college, he did a tour of duty in the Army and served as an Army clerk. He said that was a time he developed a sense of discipline, duty, and camaraderie. During his service, he formed lifelong friendships that remained a treasured part of his life. Those years left a lasting impact on him, shaping his resilience and strengthening his appreciation for loyalty and brotherhood. After the Army, he moved to Chicago and taught music at Chicago Public Schools. After several years, he stopped teaching and became a job counselor and coach at the Chicago Urban League. He led several committees at the Chicago Committee on Urban Opportunities. Later, he became a Manpower Intern and worked on Manpower national programs in Washington, DC. He was Director of Field Activities of the Fair Employment Practice Commission. Then he became coordinator of the Welfare Demonstration program at the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Employment Security.

Being involved in church was equally important to him. He took his talents and faith to the Methodist church and joined St. James Methodist Church, where he took his two young children and his college friends’ children to church every Sunday. He was the Superintendent of the church school for six years and chairman of the administrative board. He was a member of the District Committee and Conference Board of Missions and was the Vice-Chairman of the Board in 1972. He was a delegate of the Governing Board of the National Council of Churches, where he served on many committees, and a Chairman of the Black Task Force. He believed that “the Church could become the most viable institution for correcting the imbalances of justice.”

Stan moved back to Birmingham in 1978 to become an entrepreneur and open a gas station. He opened Stan’s Wahouma Exxon Station on 1st Avenue North and served the community for 44 years. He believed in customer service and treated everyone with respect, whether buying one gallon of gas or filling up your tank. He also extended credit to people who could not pay to get their car serviced and honored their word to pay him back in the following weeks. In the 1990s, Stan extended his business and joined a group who owned and operated the North Birmingham Golf Course for about four years. He believed people should have access to a local golf course and learn the game he so passionately loved.

Later in life, in 1986, he was blessed to find love again and married Eleanor Faye Myles. Their union brought joy, companionship, and renewed purpose, and they shared cherished years filled with laughter, support, and deep affection. Together, they created lasting memories that brought comfort and happiness to both their lives. They were married for over 38 years.

Those who knew Stan, knew he was an avid golfer. He would play at least twice a week and often planned golfing trips with his friends across the United States. Stan played until he was 87 years old, and he was still competitive, trying to beat everyone and shoot a game below his age. He was proud that he could still play and was at least 10 years older than everyone else. He would share that he beat their tails. Faye would tease Stan saying his priorities were God, golf and then his wife in that order. He also loved being a photographer. Stan always had a camera and took pictures at every event. He even used to develop his pictures in his dark room in Chicago.

He loved his Alma Mater, Fisk University, and was an active member of the Birmingham Fisk Alumni Association. He supported events that celebrated the school’s legacy and uplifted its future.

When Stan moved back to Birmingham, he returned to his home church, First Baptist Church of Powderly and participated in several ministries. He later became a member of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church for over ten years. He attended Bible Study and Revival and greatly enjoyed singing with the Male Chorus, treasuring both the music and brotherhood it brought into his life,

Stan leaves three generations to continue his legacy. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Eleanor Faye Smith, his children, Karyn Smith Wills, Stanford Brandon Smith (Diane), and Courtney Bell. His bonus children include Kimberly Myles-Stewart (James) and Darrus Myles (Sandra). His grandchildren are Quinton Cole (Britney), Michael Smith (JoDeanah), Stanford Eron Smith, Imani Cole, and Ryan Smith. His bonus grandchildren are Darrus Myles, Jr., Jonathan Myles, Jade Stewart, and Christian Stewart. Stan welcomed his first great-granddaughter Linnen Reign Noble-Smith. He is also survived by his loving sister-in-law Binnie Myles and brother-in law Allen Myles. Stan also leaves many cousins and dear friends, all of whom will miss him dearly. Public viewing Saturday, May 17th from 12 - 3PM. Funeral service Monday, May 19th at 11:00 AM from Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, B'ham. Burial Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo, Al. Arrington Funeral Home Directing.