Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive
Clyde L. Stancil was born on Dec. 15, 1903, in Duplin County, North Carolina, to Harvey Arthur Stancil and Gertrude Williams Stancil.
Growing up in a close-knit family, Clyde was the oldest of all the children.
Teachers at Glendale School recognized Clyde's intellect and he was skipped ahead a grade about 1916. He loved learning. He was president of the Literary Society. Clyde graduated from Glendale School in Kenly, North Carolina.
Career Beginnings
Clyde immediately moved to Raleigh for opportunities a large city offered. He started as a deputy collector for the U.S. International Revenue Office in Raleigh. He attended law school at Wake Forest while working during the day at Wachovia Bank, demonstrating his commitment to achieving his goals.
After passing the bar exam, he joined McLeod and Watson Law Firm in Raleigh.
Marriage and Family
On July 3, 1930, Clyde married the love of his life, Ola Glenn Tyson, in Wake County, North Carolina.
Ola and Clyde didn't have any children. She was a bookkeeper for a clothing store. Later in 1930, she changed jobs to become a bookkeeper for McLeod and Watson Law Firm, which is how she met Clyde.
Legal Career
After completing three years of college, Clyde embarked on a successful career as a lawyer, initially practicing in Smithfield, North Carolina. His legal expertise and dedication to his clients earned him a respected reputation in the community.
Clyde was heavily involved in politics, and was the Johnston County Republican Chairman, even being re-elected on April 5, 1940.
The News & Observer, Raleigh, NC, April 6, 1940
Article reporting Clyde L. Stancil's re-election as County Chairman during the Johnston County Republican Convention in Smithfield. The piece describes the keynote speech by Sam Morris of Raleigh, criticism of the New Deal, and the selection of delegates for upcoming conventions.
View full article
WWII Draft
In 1942, at the age of 39, Clyde registered for the WWII draft, reflecting his sense of duty and patriotism.
Later Career
Clyde's professional journey eventually led him to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he worked for Nationwide Inc. They were living at 900 Williamson Drive. His role as an attorney for the company showcased his legal acumen and dedication to his profession.
Ola didn't enjoy family gatherings as much as Clyde, and she seldom accompanied him back home. Clyde usually went back for the Stancil Reunions in Kenly, but the last one he attended was in 1977.
Passing and Legacy
Tragically, Clyde passed away from COPD on Oct. 18, 1981, in Rex Hospital in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina. He had been ill for several years. A graveside service was held for Clyde L. Stancil at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, N.C., where he was laid to rest.
Obituary
Clyde's legacy lived on through his surviving family members, including his three sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Stancil Pittman, Mrs. Vessie Stancil Joyner, and Mrs. Grey Stancil Smith, and his brother, Garland Stancil. His contributions to his community, his dedication to his family, and his commitment to his profession are remembered and celebrated by those who knew him.
His life story serves as a testament to his hard work, love for his family, and unwavering dedication to his community and country.
His wife, Ola, continued to cherish his memory until her own passing on Nov. 3, 1989, in a retirement home in Greenville, Pitt County, North Carolina. She was cremated and her ashes were buried beside Clyde in Oakdale Cemetery.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil
