Reverend Stan Knisley, 85, of Bridgeport, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 25, 2016 in Bridgeport. He was born October 11, 1930 in Mobley, WV a son of the late Effort Knisley and Rebecca Anna Stacie Knisley.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Clarice M. Knisley whom he married on August 20, 1954.
He is also survived by his daughter, Kerri Smith and her husband Grant of Clarksburg, his son, Doug Knisley and his wife Nonie of Canton, OH; grandchildren, Cassie Bucklew and her husband John of Fayetteville, NC, Tiffany Knisley of Jacksonville, FL, Joshua Knisley of Canton, OH, Katherine Knisley of Canton, OH, Tyler Knisley of Canton, OH, Elizabeth Smith of Clarksburg, Nathanael Smith of Clarksburg, Erin Deyell and her husband Rick of Pittsburgh, PA and Justin Smith of Emporium, PA; his brother Jack Knisley of Louisville, OH.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Marie Coen, Jim Knisley, Clare Knisley, Joe Knisley, George Knisley, Alma Cain; and his grandson, Benjamin Knisley.
Pastor Knisley was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and following his service was a graduate of Fairmont State University where he received his B.A. and then attended Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He also earned his Masters of Education. He was a science and physics teacher with Lake High School in Hartville, OH from 1962-1968, and was the Minister of Education for the Canton Baptist Temple in Canton, OH from 1968-1971. He was the organizer and school administrator for the Heritage Christian School in Cleveland, OH from 1974-1979. He then went on to become the first pastor of Grace Baptist Church from 1979-2000. After his retirement he remained at Grace Baptist Church as Pastor Emeritus.
Pastor Knisley’s passion was the Lord and the study of the Bible. He had a heart for people and would minister to people regardless of the time of day or night.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Baptist Church Building Fund, 861 Oral Lake Road, Bridgeport, WV 26330
Family and friends will be received at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Avenue, Bridgeport on Sunday, February 28, 2016 from 3-8 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at Grace Baptist Church, 861 Oral Lake Road in Bridgeport on Monday, February 29, 2016 at 10:30 am with Pastor Jeff Vaughan presiding. Reverend Knisley will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the West Virginia National Cemetery, with Military Honors provided by the Harrison County Honor Guard.