Stanley “Stan” Lawrence Smallwood was born on August 8, 1956. He went to his heavenly home on June 1, 2023, at the age of 66. He was born in Sacramento, CA and graduated from Livingston High School class of 1975.
Stan was preceded in death by his grandparents and father Sammy Smallwood Sr. He is survived by his wife Janet Smallwood of 42 years, his children Rebecca (Joe) Costa of Turlock, and David Smallwood of Hilmar, his mother Shirley Smallwood, and brother Sammy Smallwood Jr. Both are from Turlock, CA.
Stan met his bride at Emanuel Hospital while Janet was in nurse’s training. In 1981, they were married. Their first home was in Hilmar. Stan worked briefly for Leprino Cheese in Newman, then for the next 21 years at Conagra, also known as “Butterball Turkey”. He then worked briefly for Youngdale’s and Dodge Truck.
Stan loved both the mountains and the ocean. He loved fishing off the wharf of Santa Cruz, once catching a mermaid but had to throw her back because she was cross-eyed. He also loved fishing at Wolferson’s, San Luis Reservoir, Lake McSwain, and up at Kennedy Meadows. He loved playing Uno with friends and family plus having them come to the house for bonfires in the backyard, always making sure there were extra hot dogs or smores for when the sheriff or fire department showed up making sure there was never a fire. Some other things Stan loved to do was to go on rides, have picnics, and listen to gospel music, but his favorite would be pulling pranks on people. He really loved his family and friends and was always there when a helping hand was needed.
Stan loved the Lord, he volunteered for driving the Hilmar Covenant train during Vacation Bible School, Fun in the Son, or at the dairy festival.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life at 12:30 pm at Lakewood Cemetery in Hillcrest Gardens on Saturday, June 10, 2023, 900 Santa Fe Ave. Hughson, CA.
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