Josh Scott Stanbery, age 51, of Carraway Crossing, Chapel Hill, formerly of Ridge Road in Boone, NC, passed away on March 3. Born at Watauga County Hospital on May 3, 1973, to parents Scott Stanbery and Ollie Jackson Stanbery, Josh grew up in Boone and graduated from Watauga High School in 1991. He was active in the Young Republicans during this time, serving in various youth campaign roles for then-N.C. Senator Jesse Helms. Josh was a staunch conservative, much to his dad's delight and his mother's dismay. He pursued postsecondary studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating in 1996 with a degree in political science.

Josh excelled at all sports he played, especially tennis, and he worked as an assistant tennis professional at the Hound Ears Club in Boone for several years. It was there that he met the love of his life, Geri Carrol. He and Geri spent the next 25 years together living in Florida, before Josh returned to North Carolina in recent years.

Josh was an avid sports fan his entire life, especially any sport involving his beloved alma mater's North Carolina Tar Heels. He held men's basketball coach Dean Smith in the highest regard, and was fortunate to attend UNC during Dean's tenure, enjoying all home games in prime seats behind the bench as an active and leading member of both the Carolina Fever spirit group and the Carolina Athletic Association. Josh was involved in all aspects of UNC life and became well-known on campus not only for his fervent support of the Tar Heels, but also his side-splitting sense of humor, which he used to regularly regale family and friends throughout his life.

The majority of his professional career was spent serving as Director of Operations for several real estate development companies.

Josh was preceded in death by his grandparents and the many four-legged companions he owned during his life. (Josh never met a dog he didn't like).

He is survived by his parents, Scott and Ollie Jackson Stanbery of Ridge Road, Boone; one sister, Jill Stanbery Carlson and husband Brian of Apex, NC; two nephews, Gunnar and Jackson Carlson of Apex; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will forever miss his kind heart, unforgettable laugh and quick wit.

At Josh's request, there will be no funeral; however, an informal celebration of Life will be held on his birthday, May 3rd, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM at his parents' home, 1157 Ridge Road, Boone, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Watauga County Humane Society, 312 Paws Way, Boone, NC, 28607, or any charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.