William McKinley Stancle

William McKinley “JC” Stancle, 99, of Jonesboro, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at Jonesboro Rehabilitation Center, where he had resided for the past three years. Born on October 9, 1926, in Rosedale, Mississippi, he was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Abbie Sharpe Stancle.

As a young man, William relocated to Chicago to build a life and career. He remained in the Chicago area for over 60 years, working for Signode Corporation for many dedicated years and serving as a faithful member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Music and ministry were central to William’s life. As a member of the Golden Jubilees quartet, he cherished memories of traveling from city to city to share his musical gifts—stories he loved telling throughout his life. Faith was his bedrock, and even after leaving the city, he found joy in leading Bible study for the residents in his building, continually sharing the goodness of God until his final days.

William was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Odessa Lee Erickson Stancle; his children William Stancle, James Stancle, Sabrina Reeves, Ronald Stancle and Curtis Stancle; as well as several brothers, sisters and grandchildren.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his son, Joseph Stancle (Esmeralda) of Chicago, IL; his daughter, Anita Stancle Slaughter of Monroe, NC; his devoted son-in-law, Raymond Reeves, who faithfully cared for him during his final years in Georgia; daughters-in-law, Linda Stancle, Jackson, MS and Marva Stancle, Chicago, IL; two sisters residing in Phoenix, AZ; as well as a rich legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.