William Arthur Stancil Sr.

William Arthur Stancil, the second son of John Archer and Pinettie Stancil, was born on December 26, 1897, in Johnston County, North Carolina. A proud and good-looking man with black hair and blue eyes, Arthur was of medium height and slender build. He was known for his expert plowing and mule-driving skills, with Mike, a large bay mule, being his favorite.

As formal schools were not close to his childhood home, Arthur and his sister Alice were sent to live with their grandparents, Tom and Delaney Stancil, during the week so they could attend the Woodard School. Despite their grandfather's desire for them to be educated, both Arthur and Alice dropped out before finishing. Arthur then began farming with his father.

Around this time, many people were having their appendix removed due to concerns about rupture. Arthur underwent an appendectomy in his father's house, on the kitchen table, performed by Dr. Carnegie of Rocky Mount, NC, for a fee of $100.

Arthur shared a close friendship with his cousin Emmette, George Ira's son. They both enjoyed whiskey, had quick tempers, and appreciated attractive women. They often double-dated, and it was through Arthur dating Dessie Morris that Emmette met his future wife.

One evening, Arthur accompanied Emmette and Millard Stancil to Union Grove Baptist Church in Wayne County, a popular spot for meeting eligible young women. There, Arthur met Clyde Holland, a very pretty woman with black hair and brown eyes, and a magnetic personality. Clyde, the daughter of Ulysses Grant and Etta Holland, grew up on a farm in Wayne County and was also a talented pianist and superb seamstress. Arthur quickly fell in love with Clyde, and they decided to marry.

On August 3, 1923, 24-year-old Arthur married 23-year-old Clyde. The ceremony was performed by Arthur's uncle, Justice of the Peace George Ira Stancil, at his home, with Harvey Arthur Stancil (another uncle), Leonard Boyette, and Arthur's brother Millard Stancil serving as witnesses.

Initially, Arthur and Clyde lived briefly with Arthur's parents, John and Pinettie. John then gave Arthur a farm, and they moved into one of the tenant houses while John began building them a new home. Arthur dedicated himself to farming, growing corn and tobacco, and also engaged in buying and selling mules.

Arthur and Clyde had four children, all born at home. Their oldest son, Worth "Tom" Hayes Stancil, was born on May 16, 1924, delivered by Dr. Hayes of Fremont. Fifteen months later, William "Bill" Arthur Stancil Jr. was born on August 8, 1925. Their daughter Margaret followed 22 months later, born on June 22, 1927.

In 1930, Arthur's family was still living in Beulah Township. Arthur was farming the land.

An unnamed infant son was stillborn on September 23, 1932. Dr. Grady from Kenly delivered Bill, Margaret, and the stillborn son.

Clyde began showing gray hair early, at age 26, often wearing it pulled back into a bun. She had a fondness for dogs, with a bulldog named Snowball being her favorite. Clyde worked diligently to care for her family, growing a large garden, canning fruits and vegetables, and hosting hog and cow killings to ensure a year-round meat supply. She cooked regularly, offering fried fish once a week and hotdogs as a treat for her children. Clyde and Alice made all of Margaret's clothes, which were considered superior to store-bought. Margaret also helped her mother by churning butter, a task she disliked. Margaret was particularly fond of her grandparents, John and Pinettie, with John doting on her as his only granddaughter.

Arthur's sons were expected to contribute to farm work from a young age. While Tom and Bill did not share their father's love for hunting, they often dated together, using Arthur's car. Church was an important part of their lives, and the family attended services at both Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church and Center Ridge Presbyterian Church.

However, Arthur's quick temper and struggles to prioritize his family's welfare created a turbulent home environment, especially after his father's death. He did not permit music in the house, despite Clyde's love for it. His disciplinary methods could be harsh, sometimes involving physical objects like a chain, and his drinking often fueled irrational outbursts, turning their home into a "war zone."

This increasingly difficult situation led Tom to leave home before his 16th birthday in 1940. He graduated from Glendale High School in 1941 after completing three years of high school. Bill, at 15, dropped out of Glendale after two years of high school, and he and Tom moved to the shipyards in Wilmington, NC, seeking work. Tom later moved to the Norfolk, Virginia, shipyards. The outbreak of World War II on December 8, 1941, led to increased labor demands, providing a more stable environment for the boys.

Despite being 42, Arthur registered for the draft on Feb. 16, 1942. He was listed as 5 feet, 8 inches tall with blue eyes and black hair. He was 135 pounds.

Back on the farm, Arthur and Clyde's marital problems escalated. In 1943, Clyde gathered her courage and moved out, taking Margaret with her to Kenly with only a suitcase. She found a house, and her father provided them with a bed. Clyde used her seamstress skills, sewing for families like the Wilkersons in Kenly, to support herself and Margaret. As soon as she was able, Clyde filed for divorce.

After their separation, Arthur married Sidney Perry. Sidney, born September 15, 1924, was the daughter of Neal and Ida Perry of Nash County. Arthur and Sidney had two children: Betty Lucille Stancil, born June 7, 1946, and Edward Thomas Stancil, born February 19, 1948. Sidney became a stepmother to Arthur's children from his first marriage: Tom Stancil, Bill Stancil Jr., and Margaret Stancil Sellers.

William Arthur Stancil passed away in 1957 at the age of 59. He had been a member of Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church since he was a young boy.

Obituary

Clyde Holland Stancil lived until the age of 85, passing away on Monday, April 23, 1984, in Fairfax, Virginia, where she had made her home with her son Bill. She was a native of Wayne County and a former resident of Johnston County. Her funeral was held at the chapel of Shackleford Funeral Home in Fremont, with burial in Elmwood Cemetery at Fremont. She was survived by her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Sellars of Sterling, VA; two sons, W.A. (Bill) Stancil Jr. of Fairfax, VA, and Worth (Tom) Stancil of Wilson; three sisters, Mrs. Letha Dickinson, Mrs. Carrie Pope, and Mrs. Estelle Allen; and five grandchildren.

Obituary

Sidney Perry Stancil continued to live in Wilson, North Carolina, and was the main caregiver for her husband Arthur. After his passing, her daughter Betty was her primary caregiver for many years. Sidney was a member of Unity Free Will Baptist Church in Wilson and loved attending the Stancil family reunions, even attending the last one in failing health. Sidney passed away on October 13, 2019, in Wilson, at the age of 95. Her funeral service was held at Joyner’s Funeral Home in Wilson, with a graveside service in Evergreen Memorial Park. Sidney was survived by her children Betty Stancil Brown and Edward Thomas Stancil, and her numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Neal and Ida Bone Perry, and her sister, Ruby Ballance.