Rick Stanley, who is well-known for his years spent at Graceland with Elvis, will be a special guest speaker for the morning and evening services at Abba’s House in Hixson on Father's Day, June 21.
Rick Stanley was born December 13, 1953 in Huntsville, Al. His father, Bill Stanley, was a career military man in the army. While stationed in Germany, Rick's mother, Dee, realized she could not stop her husband's alcoholic abuse.
She met Vernon Presley, father of Elvis Presley and fell in love. Rick and his brothers were brought back to the United States while his father, Bill Stanley, was out on military maneuvers. He had no idea what was taking place within his own home.
Rick spent the next year of his life in a foster home called Breezy Point Farms outside New Port News, Va. After obtaining a divorce from Bill Stanley, Dee re-married Vernon Presley July 3, 1960. Several months later Rick and his brothers were picked up by his mother and new stepfather and moved into Graceland, Elvis Presley's home in Memphis, Tn.
Elvis showered all the Stanley boys with love and affection. Ricky was drawn to Elvis from their first meeting. When Rick was 16, he quit school and started traveling with Elvis. He became Elvis's personal aid. There was nobody closer to Elvis from 1969 to 1977.
Rick went through the same struggles with addiction (prescription drugs) as Elvis. Elvis personally came to the Memphis Police Department and got Ricky out of jail on August 7, 1975, for a narcotics conviction. Rick was with Elvis eight hours before his death on August 16, 1977.
Two months after Elvis's death, Rick became a Christian. He married Robyn, the girl who witnessed to him. Rick then attended Criswell College provided by Dr. W.A. Criswell after Dr. Freddie Gage introduced Rick to Dr Criswell. Rick later attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and graduated in May of 1986. Rick served as staff evangelist at First Baptist Church of Dallas.
Rick has been married for over 26 years to Robyn, and they have two daughters, Brittany and Bethany.
Since July 3, 1978, he has spoken in over 4000 churches, 800 middle and high schools, and hundreds of drug rehab centers and correctional facilities.
His television appearances include Good Morning America, 20/20, Geraldo, Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, Sally Jesse Raphael, Current Affair, E-True Hollywood Story, Fox On The Record with Greta Van Sestern, Inside Edition, Tom Snyder and five appearances on Larry King Live. Rick has been interviewed in hundreds of local newspapers and an eight-page article in People Magazine, and has authored three books.
Rick will speak at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on June 21, at Abba’s House. Admission is free.
Abba’s House is located at 5208 Hixson Pike, just past Northgate Mall.