Colby Ryan Stansberry

On Sunday, November 12, 2006 surrounded by family and friends, Colby Ryan Stansberry, age 18, left this world and entered into the presence of the Lord. As he crossed into Heaven, Colby joined his Little Papaw (Sam "Sambo" Potts).

Colby loved life and was a joy to everyone honored enough to cross his path. His unforgettable smile was life giving to all. Colby was a gifted artist and a nominee for the Tennessee Governor's School of Art Award. An avid sports fan, he played for the Cleveland High Blue Raiders Basketball Team. Along with his father and grandfather, he played on the Grace Community Softball Team.

Colby was an honor student at Cleveland High School and was scheduled to graduate as a Tennessee Scholar with the class of 2007. Colby was a member of the Solar Team, Beta Club, Skills USA, FCA, and VICA. He was employed by BiLo at Ocoee Crossing.

A dedicated Christian, Colby gave his life to Jesus at an early age. He was a charter member of Grace Community Church and also participated in youth activities at Mount Olive Ministries and First Baptist Church.

Colby is survived by his parents and best friends, Terry and Michelle Stansberry; godparents and aunt and uncle, Jeff and Missy Stansberry; grandparents, Dorothy "Dot" Potts and Bob and Wilma Stansberry all of Cleveland; great-grandmother, Mina Fugate of Rhea County; aunts and uncles: James and Linda Knight of Knoxville, Rhonda and Terry Powell of Cleveland, Debbie and Alan Gentry of Athens, and Charles Stansberry of Cleveland; cousins: Brandon and Ashlie Knight, Brooke Gibson, Brittany Regan, Bethany Wilcox, Brynn Stansberry all of Cleveland and Aaron and Stephen Stansell of Athens.

Colby's family will receive friends from 3:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday at Fike Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday at Mount Olive Ministries with Pastor Kevin Mendel, Pastor Gary Sears, Pastor Paul Lee, Pastor/Coach Heath Eslinger and Chad Fromm conducting the service. Interment will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery with Michelle Smith, Chad Fromm, Chad Morris, Carson Earle, Montez Davis, Mark Mendel, Brandon Knight, Tyson Black, Stephen Stansell, Aaron Stansell and Steve A. (Toby) McKenzie serving as pallbearers. Cleveland High School Basketball Team, Cleveland High School Solar Team and the student body of Cleveland High School will be serving as honorary pallbearers. The service will conclude with a white dove ceremony.