Howard Acker Stapley Jr.

Dr. Howard A. Stapley Jr. passed away peacefully in his retirement home of Myrtle Beach, SC on October 2. He was 96-years-old.

The eldest son of Howard Stapley Sr. and Edith Stapley (nee Chapman) was born in Rochester New York and raised on the family farm in Geneseo. An outstanding student. Dr. Stapley received a Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Geneseo, a Masters’ degree from Boston University and a Doctorate from the University of Indiana.

While serving as an administrator supervising teachers in Plainedge, NY, he met his wife to be Betty (nee Schryver) and they were married in 1955.

Dr. and Mrs. Stapley established residence in Oneonta, NY in 1958 and Dr. Stapley began a distinguished career as a Professor in the Education Department at the State University of New York in Oneonta. He retired in 1992.

Dr. Stapley also served in the United States Army where he was stationed as part of the peacekeeping force in Germany following the end of World War II.

He was an active member of the Freemasons, American Legion and Elks Club and was a loyal supporter of numerous charities, including Planned Parenthood, Salvation Army and the St. James Episcopal Church food bank. He was also a member of the St. James Episcopal Church in Oneonta, New York and Trinity Church in Myrtle Beach.

Dr. Stapley was a history buff and known for an outstanding sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years Betty; daughters Suzanne and Edith; sons-in-law Scott and Jay; and grandchildren Bethany, Jaime, David, and Elizabeth. He was pre-deceased by brother Richard, son Howard Stapley III, and grandson Howard Stapley IV.

A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Church in Myrtle Beach on Thursday, October 6 at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to a local food bank in his memory.

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