Stephen H. Stanley passed away on August 29, 2026, at his home in Arcadia, Florida, surrounded by close friends and loved ones. He was born on January 3, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. Stephen moved to Florida at a very young age and lived all over the state throughout his life. For the past seven years he has called Arcadia home while living with his good friends and band mate Cindy and Red Griffin. 

Stephen graduated from Piper High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. After high school he went on to join the Army where he served his time and then eventually became a proud veteran and carried that pride with him throughout his life. His real passion was playing music. 

Music was at the heart of who Stephen was. He was a musician who played the drums for several bands, and he loved writing, singing, and making music whenever he could. He played for the band Rambling Drive for many years and was playing for Red Griffin and the Pickin' Crew at the time of his passing. Whether behind the drums or sharing a song, Stephen found joy in music and the people he made and shared it with.

Stephen was one of nine siblings, and among all of his important relationships, he treasured most the bond he shared with his twin brother, Christopher. Stephen loved being a twin brother, and the two were extremely close. He was also extremely loyal to his favorite companion, his dog, Zippy. Zippy was his best buddy and Stephen often lovingly referred to him as "his baby."

Stephen will be lovingly remembered by his brother, Edward F. Lawson; by his sisters, Rayetta M. Glaze and April C. Sampson; and his niece, Sheila Bradford. His family will hold close the words shared by his sister, April, who said, "he was the finest man she knew.”

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Stanley; his mother, Betty Fink; his sisters, Ramona Altman, Mary M. Childs, and Katherine Generio; and his brothers, Frederick J. Lawson and Christopher H. Stanley (his twin).

Stephen’s life was shaped by music, family, friendship, and the many places he called home across Florida. He will be remembered with love by those who knew him and who shared in his music and his life.