In Memoriam
WENDY MELTON ENOCHS
July 8, 1966 – June 25, 2022
Wendy Melton Enochs passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2022. Wendy was born July 8, 1966, in Gainesville, Georgia, to Terrissa and Guy Melton. She graduated from high school at Southeast Guilford in 1984. After graduating from UNC-G in 1988, Wendy entered the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, from which she graduated in 1991.
Wendy’s distinguished legal career began at the Guilford County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney from 1991 to 1994. In 1994, she was elected as a judge in the Guilford County District Court becoming, at that time, the youngest District Court judge to be elected in North Carolina at the age of 28. From 2012 to 2016, she served as Chief District Court Judge. Wendy adored her co-workers and staff.
In July 2016, Wendy was appointed by Governor Pat McCrory to serve as a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. She retired from public service at the end of her term and joined the law firm of Coltrane, Overfield and Associates as a family law attorney. Wendy worked at the firm until her cancer diagnosis. The entire firm supported her throughout her illness, making sure her clients were taken care of. Wendy never had a bad day at the office thanks to the wonderful group of people that worked there. She especially loved the annual Christmas party where funny stories from the year would have everyone in tears.
Wendy served on several community boards and committees during her time as a judge, including the North Carolina Crime Commission and Language Access Committee. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, where she served as an usher. In her spare time Wendy enjoyed playing tennis, paddle tennis, and golf. Wendy loved her weekly dinner and game nights with friends. Wendy was an avid reader, and could often be found reading a book on her sunporch.
Wendy approached cancer in the same manner she approached life, with dignity, determination, and positivity. She spent the last weeks of her life surrounded by her loving family and close friends. To the end, Wendy lit up the room with a big smile when she had visitors and she continued to show the kindness, selflessness, and grace for which she is known and will always be remembered.
Wendy is predeceased by her wonderful father Guy Henry Melton, brother Henry Walter Melton, and mother-in-law Doris Enochs.
Surviving are her mother Terrissa (Tissie) Melton of Wilmington who provided her love, comfort and support during the last weeks; her loving husband of 30 years, Robert Enochs; and the light of her life, son Henry Enochs of Greensboro. Also surviving are father-in-law Herman Enochs; sister-in-law Beth Davidson (Scott), brothers-in-law Glenn Enochs (Paige), and Stephen Enochs (Lisa); and nieces and nephews, Faire Davidson Barnes (Andrew), Will Davidson, Carrie Davidson, Alisa Enochs, Crews Enochs, Ava Enochs, Doris Enochs and Eleanor Enochs.
GERALD “GERRY” SCHAFER
November 4, 1944 – July 8, 2022
Gerald “Gerry” Schafer passed away peacefully in his home in Greensboro, North Carolina, on July 8, 2022, at age 77.
Gerry was born and raised in Mount Airy, North Carolina, to Isidor and Bessie Schafer as the youngest of three children, after sister Harriet (d.) and brother Freddie (d.). He enjoyed an idyllic childhood living next door to his cherished grandmother, Rosa, and surrounded by friends, family, and his treasured dog, Lady. He maintained a presence in his beloved hometown throughout his entire life.
He was an engaged, lifelong member of the Jewish communities in Winston-Salem and Greensboro and took pride in his family’s role in establishing strong Jewish roots in both cities. A passionate golfer, Gerry picked up his first club at age 3 and was a proud member of Sedgefield Country Club for 46 years. He also enjoyed fishing, World War II history, and being with his beagles.
A Tar Heel “Born and Bred”, Gerry completed his undergraduate and law degrees at UNC-Chapel Hill. He also proudly served as a medic in the Army in the 422nd Civil Affairs Unit. Gerry met the love his life, Linda Brandwein Schafer, on a blind date set up by his sister, Harriet, in Chicago. After their 1973 wedding, they moved to Greensboro where he started his law practice which he maintained for over 50 years. Gerry devoted his practice of bankruptcy law to supporting his clients through their personal financial challenges and helping them establish stability and a fresh start.
Gerry and Linda loved to travel, particularly to Ireland where Gerry joked he would visit the “O’Schafers.” Though Gerry traveled extensively, he was happiest when he landed back in his native Tar Heel State. He never met a stranger and described himself as “a man of few words but many sentences.”
He is survived by his wife, Linda, of 49 years and daughters Heather Schafer (Adam Van Stedum), Katherine Schafer Ravan (Brook Ravan), grandchildren Lucy and Sidney Ravan, beagle, Mr. Wicklow, and an extensive community of friends whose lives he touched.
WILLIAM E. STANLEY, JR.
April 9, 1943 – July 11, 2022
On July 11, 2022, William E. Stanley, Jr. gently passed away at his home in Greensboro, North Carolina. Bill was 79 years old.
Bill was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on April 9, 1943, the firstborn son to William E. Stanley, Sr. and Alice Taylor Stanley.
Bill graduated from Greensboro Senior High School and immediately pursued a college degree at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he graduated with a BS degree in business. He also earned his Juris Doctor degree from the UNC-CH School of Law. He was an ERISA attorney and a member of the North Carolina State Bar and the North Carolina and American Bar Associations.
Before beginning his career, Bill served our country in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. After earning his degrees Bill joined his father in his business, W.E. Stanley Pension Planning Company, Inc. After his father retired he formed W.E. Stanley & Company, an actuarial and employee benefits firm with help from his brother. Under Bill’s wise leadership the firm grew to be one of the largest employee benefit firms in the Southeast U.S. The firm eventually merged with BB & T which prompted Bill’s two eldest sons, along with Chris Francis, to form another successful firm in 2002. The new firm was called Stanley Benefit Services which Bill later joined so that he could continue to faithfully serve his longterm clients.
In addition to his corporate success, Bill was a valued member in his community. He served on the former Triad Bank Board of Directors in Greensboro, was a lifelong member at First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, and also maintained a lifelong membership in Greensboro Country Club. From 2006 until recently he greatly enjoyed owning and operating Autumn Creek Vineyards in Mayodan, North Carolina.
Bill had a passion and skill for entrepreneurial work, but those who knew Bill best knew that his greatest passion was for his sons and grandchildren. While he was known nationwide as a successful corporate executive, his two favorite titles were “Dad” and “Big Daddy” (his grandfatherly moniker). Whether he was hunting with his sons at his farm or playing in the sand with his grandchildren on the beach, his smile was greatest when he was surrounded by his beloved family. Bill lived his life for the lives of those he loved. He unselfishly gave of his time, resources and love to all who needed it, family or friend.
Bill was preceded in death by his loving mother and father, Alice and William E. Stanley, Sr. He is survived by his four beloved sons and their families, Wes Stanley, wife Kelly and daughters, Grayson and Walker; Chris Stanley, wife Sarah and sons, Miller and Thomas; Ric Stanley, wife Chelsea and son, Easton and daughter, Isla; Scott Stanley, wife Amanda and twin daughters, Claire and Evelyn. He is also survived by his younger brother whom he wisely mentored, John T. Stanley, wife Angela and stepson, Frank Galbo. He will be greatly missed by many other family members and friends who were the recipients of his loving generosity and care.
