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Little Rock, AR—Stephen Loyd Stanley passed away April 11 at the Arkansas Heart Hospital. He was 44.

Stanley was born March 19, 1973, to Loyd and Barbara (Coe) Stanley. A lifelong resident of Little Rock, he loved living in the city’s Hillcrest neighborhood, a historic area famed for its extensive variety of architectural housing styles.

Trained in gunsmithing at the Colorado School of Trade, Stanley loved anything with a motor, especially vintage Ford Mustangs and his own beloved blue Shelby. He also loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and owned several in his life. Not surprisingly, his favorite sport was NASCAR racing, and spending time with his friends.

Like many jewelers’ children, Stanley worked at the family store, Stanley Jewelers Gemologist, on and off throughout his life. His love of all things mechanical was a natural fit for him to focus on watches, though his jovial, outgoing nature attracted many customers when he sold jewelry. The image of him at left, tending the bar at one of Stanley Jewelers’ in-store events, is one that many customers and friends recognize and will forever associate with him.

Stanley’s other great love was dogs. He adored his own and never hesitated to help any dog in need, including fostering, transporting, and adopting several.

Stanley is survived by his father, Loyd Stanley, and his wife, Kaye; sisters Caroline Stanley and her husband Dennis Nakasone and their two children, and Laura Stanley and her husband Henry J. Mroczkowski.

Memorial donations may be made to either the Humane Society of Pulaski County or the Paws In Prison Program for dog training.