Stanley Ernest Link, 89, of Kannapolis, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Stanley was born on July 17, 1936, in Rowan County to the late George Albert Link and Carrie Elizabeth White. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice Bowles Link; his sisters, Dorothy Dixon, Deloris Jenkins, and Evelyn Link; and his brother, David Link.

Stanley loved music as much as he loved people. Many of his days were spent with a guitar in his hands and a song ready to share. Alongside his wife, Janice, and other family members, he played in their band, “Stan, Jan, and the Gang.” They enjoyed traveling to nursing homes to sing and share their love for Jesus.

If there was a crowd, Stanley was happy to entertain. He was a natural storyteller who could hold an audience without even trying. He loved to talk, loved to laugh, and truly never met a stranger. Whether it was a story he had told a hundred times or one he just thought up, he had a way of drawing people in and making them feel right at home.

Stanley worked extremely hard throughout his life. He was a Supervisor in the Weave Room at Cannon Mills for 37 years and was very proud to provide for those he loved.

Some of his happiest memories were made camping in the mountains with his family. Stanley would tolerate a beach trip if that’s where the family wanted to go — but the mountains were always his favorite. He also enjoyed fishing on his boat and going on trips with Janice and other family members.

More than anything, Stanley loved his family, friends, and Jesus. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Debbie Helms (Scott) and Teresa Petty; his grandchildren, Tonya Greene, Chris Helms (Jean), and Stephanie Shulick (Eric); his great-grandchildren, Tyler Greene, Peyton Shulick, Aidan Shulick, Cameron Wilson (Taylor), Kendall Traina (Luke), Collin Wilson, and Cohen Wilson; and great-great-grandchildren, Carter Wilson, Lorelai and Wesley Traina.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Faith Baptist Church in Kannapolis. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. James Pauley and J.R. Beaver. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis.