Henry M Stanley, Jr., an icon in the wholesale auto auction industry and longtime supporter of NAAA, passed away peacefully at his home on February 3, 2026. Born August 25, 1936, in Sinking Springs, Ohio, Henry lived a life defined by hard work, integrity, leadership, and generosity.
Stanley began his career in the auto auction industry in 1960 as a ringman at Capital Auto Auction in Columbus, Ohio. He later became an auctioneer and purchased the business in 1969, renaming it Ohio Auto Auction. After selling the auction in 1987, Stanley retired briefly before returning to the industry he loved. In 1989, he and his wife Patty purchased Fort Knox Auto Auction, renaming it Carolina Auto Auction, which grew under his leadership into one of the largest independently owned auto auctions in the Southeast.
A respected industry trailblazer, Stanley served as President of the NAAA, received the Pioneer Award, and was inducted into the NAAA Hall of Fame. Known for his fierce competitive spirit, Stanley always pushed himself and those around him to be better, famously saying, “Coming in second is like kissing your sister.” He firmly believed that “your word is your bond” and lived by that principle throughout his life.
Stanley loved spending time with his family, especially boating with his grandchildren, traveling with Patty, watching wildlife at their Colorado home, golfing, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was known for his generosity, kindness, and unmistakable presence.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Patty Stanley; his partner and soulmate of 52 years; children, Henry M Stanley III (Amy) and Eric Autenrieth (Lisa); daughter-in-law, Anne Stanley; grandchildren, Regan, Nathan, Elyse, Natalie, Leslie, Makayla, Brooklyn, Keaton, and Angelina; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Colton, Ramsey, Lilah, Makiah, Carson, Jaxon, and Lennox. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry M Stanley Sr. and Edna Mosteller Stanley, daughter Tawana Fox, and son Gordon Stanley.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at The McDougald Funeral Home in Anderson, South Carolina, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 4:00 p.m. Immediately following the service, a private burial will be held at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Calvary Home for Children, or a charity of one’s choice.
