SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. — George Nathan “Sonny” Stanley, 79, of Surfside Beach, passed peacefully Sunday, July 24, 2016, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Jan. 25, 1937, in Greenville, the son of the late Roy Monroe Stanley Jr. and Magie Idella (Smith) Stanley.

George was raised in Vicksburg, where the family moved shortly after he was born.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife and life-mate, Barbara Goettler; brother, Roy Monroe Stanley Jr.; and sister, Jamie Lee (Stanley) Miller.

George proudly served his country in the Army National Guard from 1956 until 1963. During that time, he was active duty from September of 1957 until March of 1958.

George graduated high school from Carr Central High School and was an avid sports fanatic and was quite the athlete.

He played basketball, football, ran track and his favorite, baseball. He was known as the “tough dog,” and if you were ever picking teams, you would want “Sonny” on your side.

George was a successful businessman and owned and operated his own real estate company in Butler, Penn., and continued his work after retiring to the Grand Strand.

After retirement, he and his angel, Barbara, the love of his life, spent all of their time together reading and enjoying movies, bird watching, keeping in touch with children and grandchildren and simply loving each other. George was an incredibly strong man with a gentle, generous and nurturing soul. He will be deeply missed.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Barry Stanley of Myrtle Beach, Bruce Goettler and wife Polly of Butler, Penn., John Goettler and wife Janice of Surfside Beach, Bobby Goettler and wife Kimmie of Myrtle Beach, Steve Goettler and wife Jennifer of Butler, Penn., and Jeanne Sutton and husband JT of Morgantown, W.Va.; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Imogean (Stanley) Hickman and husband Paul and Mary Jane (Stanley) Anglin-Anderson and husband Marvin; brothers, James Marion Stanley and wife Bobbye and William Earl Stanley and wife Carol; and nieces and nephews.

Per George’s request, no formal services will be held. However, the family gathered at George’s home at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016, to celebrate George’s life and honor him with military honors rendered by the Army National Guard.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Lower Cape Fear Hospice Mercy Care for their compassionate care, love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice Mercy Care, 8216 Devon Court, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.

Online condolences may be directed to www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet (843-651-1440) is assisting the family.