Stanley, Rev. Junior "J.R." Taft (Sweetwater)

  • Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Reverend Junior “J.R.” Taft Stanley, 80 a resident of Sweetwater, went to his Heavenly home on Friday, September 17, 2021 in a Sweetwater hospital. He was born in Hot Springs, NC on Aug. 1, 1941, a son of the late Taft & Cordelia Stanley. J.R. had a love for his Lord and sharing the gospel with others he came in contact with.

In additional to his parents, he is preceded in death by one son-in-law, James Bledsoe.

J.R. leaves behind to cherish his memory five children, Tony Stanley, Terry Stanley, Michael Stanley, Samuel Stanley (Samantha) and Christina Bledsoe; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marie Hasty and Lillie Robinson; one brother, Roy Stanley; and numerous other extended family members and a host of special friends.

A service celebrating his life is planned for Friday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. in the Athens chapel of Companion Funeral Home, 400 S. White Street. The family will receive friends on Friday from noon until the 2 p.m. service time at the funeral home. The interment and committal service will follow in the Hammonds Cemetery, with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Share a memory of J.R. and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. 

Companion Funeral Home of Athens is honored to assist his family with these arrangements.
Obituaries
Bernice Doris Herndon
Bernice Doris Herndon
  • 7/6/2025

Bernice Doris Herndon, 90, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025. She was of the Christian faith and a member of Maple Grove Baptist Church. Bernice was a wonderful mother, and amazing homemaker ... more

Marvin R. “Sonny” Smith
Marvin R. “Sonny” Smith
  • 7/5/2025

Marvin R. “Sonny” Smith, 93, of Chattanooga, passed away on the fourth of July, almost four months to the day since he lost his beloved wife, Peggy. Marvin was born in Apison, Tn., on May ... more

Richard Barnum Dixon
Richard Barnum Dixon
  • 7/5/2025

Richard Barnum Dixon, 94, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away on July 3, 2025. Born in McMinn County, where he was known as Barnum, Richard enjoyed an adventurous childhood, swimming in ... more