Paul Stanley

Paul Jay Stanley, 92, of Cincinnati, Ohio, went to his heavenly home on April 27, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. Jay was born March 8, 1934, the son of the late Paul Jones Stanley and Pauline Napier Stanley Miller. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 71 years, Sue Stanley; his brothers, John and Sam Stanley; and his son, James David Stanley. He is survived by his children: Kari Oatts (Tom) of Braselton, Georgia; Kevin Stanley (Lee Ann) of Cincinnati; and Todd Stanley (Kelli) of Cincinnati. He was a cherished Papaw to Ashleigh Oatts of Athens, Georgia; Jay Oatts (Tess) of Chamblee, Georgia; Jake Stanley of Athens, Georgia; Maggie Stanley (Harlie) of Knoxville, Tennessee; and Justin Stanley and Josh Stanley of Cincinnati; as well as a beloved great-grandfather to Adam and Melody Oatts. He is also survived by a host of adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and their children. He graduated from Buffalo High School and served in the United States Army followed by tenures working for Owens-Illinois, Princeton High School, and Gettysvue Country Club. He was a member of Tri-County Baptist Church in Cincinnati and West Park Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

During his wonderful life, Jay loved biscuits and gravy, fishing, black and white movies, telling a long-winded story for the 50th time, singing old country songs, and watching the Cincinnati Reds and Marshall Thundering Herd. To his final days, he was a fountain of loveable mischief, whether it be cracking an off-color joke, dressing like a beggar for Halloween, or sneaking a bit of food under the table to one of the countless family dogs he adored. Unlike the pickiness in his eating habits, he never wavered in his love and pride for his friends and family, filling their lives with a joy and laughter that will be missed the most of all. Visitation will be at Reger Funeral Home in Huntington, West Virginia on Friday, May 1 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m., followed by a graveside service at Ferguson Cemetery in Fort Gay, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Queen City Hospice or the Ferguson Cemetery.