David Ruffin Stanley

David Ruffin Stanley passed away Wednesday (September 27, 2017) at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.

David was born August 15, 1977 in Cambridge, son of Gary F. and Madge Osborne (Wilkins) Stanley.

He was a 1996 graduate of John Glenn High School, where he received a governor award for his art work his senior year.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years, having worked for Ruby Haulage and Anderson Excavating.  He also worked for Infinity after getting his CDL.  He worked for Appalachian Well Services and traveled with Big Iron Drilling to several areas of the country.

David loved children and they were drawn to him, without judgment.  They saw in his eyes a special friend with a fun heart.

David loved life.  He enjoyed skateboarding, riding his four-wheeler, and watching football.  He was a Bengals fan and loved The Ohio State Buckeyes.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lela Bishard and Billy M. Stanley; his maternal grandparents, Charles Ruffin and Elizabeth Wilkins; and his paternal aunt, Suzan Stanley Vargo.

Earlier this year, he lost a woman who loved him for who he was and whom he loved, Vanessa LaRae (Christie) LaRocca.

He is survived by his father, Gary; two sisters, Kim (& John) Jones and Carol (& Louis) Robinson; nephews, Jordan and Cory Robinson; one very special aunt and friend, Charlotte Wilkins; a stepson, Blake Adam King; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; his best friend from childhood, Timothy Murrey; and a special friend, Melissa Hickman and her children.  He also leaves two companions, his beloved dogs Maggie and his precious Manni, who was his best friend many days in the last three years.

David was a good man with a good heart, who would help anyone if he could.  His last act of giving was to donate his liver to someone in need.

Visitation will be held Monday (October 2, 2017) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge, where funeral services will be held Tuesday (October 3, 2017) at 1 p.m.  In keeping with David’s wishes, he is to be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be sent to one of the following organizations: 1) Guernsey County Cancer Society, 927 E Wheeling Ave - Suite 205, Cambridge OH 43725; or 2) Alcohol & Drug Services of Guernsey County, 927 Wheeling Ave 310, Cambridge OH 43725.

“God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Monday, October 2, 2017 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Thorn-Black Funeral Home Cambridge 139 S 9th St Cambridge, Ohio 43725

Tuesday, October 3, 2017 1:00 PM

Thorn-Black Funeral Home Cambridge 139 S 9th St Cambridge, Ohio 43725

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