The Reverend Maurice Edward Staley, age 93, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2020 in his home at Trinity Oaks Assisted Living, Salisbury N.C.

Maurice was born September 4, 1927 in Alamance, N.C., a son of William and Fannie Belle Staley.

In addition to his parents, Reverend Staley was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Patsy Carter Staley.  He was also preceded in death by siblings Lois S. Butler, Pearl S. Loy, Rachel S. Stokes, Colin R. Staley, William D. Staley and Ruby Staley, and his daughter-in-law Jeanette L. Staley.

He is survived by his son Roger N. Staley and wife Martha, and daughter Carol S. Stamper and friend Cheryl Feeney.  He is also survived by grandchildren Lauren Sailors, Adam Staley and wife Erin, Jordan Staley, Matthew Stamper and wife Andi, Andrew Stamper and Cynthia Jackson and husband Erik, along with two great grandchildren Noah and Cooper Sailors. 

Reverend Staley worked in the hosiery industry in Alamance NC before enrolling at Elon College, graduating in 1963 with a degree in Religion and Philosophy.  He graduated from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1966 and began his ministry at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Richfield, N.C. also serving at New Bethel Lutheran Church from 1966-1969.  He took a call to Center Grove Lutheran Church in Kannapolis, N.C. and served from 1981-1994.  After retiring from full time ministry, Reverend Staley served as an interim Pastor for Ebenezer Lutheran Church in China Grove, St. Peters Lutheran Church in Salisbury and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Salisbury.  He continued to serve as visitation Pastor for Organ Lutheran Church from 2011-2013.   For over 16 of these years, Reverend Staley served as a volunteer Chaplain at Northeast Medical Center in Concord. Maurice continued his ministry by leading devotions at Trinity Oaks Assisted Living Facility in Salisbury and caring for all the residents and caregivers on his hall.

Maurice was active in Boy Scouting for many years, earning his Eagle Scout award, leading Troop #49 for almost 10 years and earning the Order of the Arrow. He has worked extensively with the N.C. Prison system, managing a G.E.D. and A.B. degree school and serving as a board member of the N.C. Commission of Ministry for Prisons.

It can easily be said that Reverend Staley was totally committed in mind, body and spirit to serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ each and every day.  His faith was unwavering and his passion intense for Christian ministry whenever and wherever he found himself.   He loved and cherished his family and friends over the years and was always so grateful for every gesture and act of kindness in life.   Our dad, Papaw and friend will be sorely missed.

A graveside service will be held December 1, 2020 at 1 p.m. in the Alamance Memorial Park in Burlington, N.C. Pastor Brenda Bynum will officiate.

Condolences may be made online at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Trinity Oaks Employee Appreciation Fund (EAF) at 728 Klumac RD,  Salisbury N.C. 28144.