Stanley Tanyhill Sr.

Stanley Tanyhill, Sr., 72, passed away on Sept. 17, 2024. Stanley, known by most family as “Beaver” or “T” was born in Huddy, Ky., on Sept. 21, 1951, as his dad flew over a set of railroad tracks and Beaver popped out. They turned the car around and their neighbor came over and cut the cord; they named him Stanley and that was that. He was born to Abbie (Lee) and Johnny B. Tanyhill, the middle of three children. In 1969, he graduated from Belfry High School in Belfry, in eastern Kentucky. He joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after, and served for 14 years. While stationed in Duluth, Minn., in 1974, a friend pointed out “that Kentucky girl” he’d told him about, and the two quickly became an item. T and Patricia (Bennett) were married in January 1976. In April 1979, after being stationed in Alaska and then New Mexico, Pat and T welcomed their first child, Stanley Tanyhill, Jr., and their second child, Abbie Lee Tanyhill (Darst) in August 1981. T was the kind of person who never met a stranger. He would talk to anybody, anywhere, and his big, inviting smile could light up a whole room. 

T served as a cook in the military, a role he continued through most of his working life in various restaurants in cities across the country. He was also an avid sports fan. A strong athlete in his younger years, his love of sports remained throughout his life. No matter what season it was, his TV was tuned to whatever sport was on—pro teams, college teams, amateur sports, you name it. His son and son-in-law said he was the best resource for March Madness brackets and Fantasy Football draft advice. 

T was also Papa to four grandchildren, Chayton (18), Tehya (16), Jaci (14) and Song (13). 

T was preceded in death by his mother, Abbie Tanyhill; his father, Johnny B. Tanyhill; and his brother, Sonny Tanyhill. He is survived by his sister, Yvette (Jimmy) Mitchell; his son, Stanley Tanyhill, Jr.; his daughter, Abbie (Scott) Darst; his daughter, Moniqui Tanyhill; and his son, James Tanyhill.

A memorial ceremony for Stanley Tanyhill, Sr., will be held Saturday, Sept. 28 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, and Receptions Southwest Louisville Chapel. The visitation for family will begin at 2 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 4 p.m. He will be laid to rest in the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, Ky., on Monday, Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m.