Counce
WAYCROSS — Mr. Robert Stanley “Stan” Counce, 85, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Satilla Bluffs Senior Care Center after an extended illness.
Born July 15, 1940, in Brantley County, he was the son of the late Marvin Lewis Counce and Ruth Thomas Waters. A proud graduate of Hoboken High School, Counce went on to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1961. During his service aboard the USS Newman K. Perry, he took part in the nation’s first manned spaceflight mission and helped with the recovery of Commander Alan B. Shepard, Jr. — an accomplishment he carried with quiet pride.
Counce was formerly employed by S&L Book Sales before realizing his dream of owning and operating his own bookstore, Bargain Books. He was a member of The Refinery, where he enjoyed volunteering for the church’s food bank. He also served his community by volunteering at the Ware County voter polls. A devoted sports fan, Counce rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the University of Georgia Bulldogs.
In addition to his parents, Counce was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Oglesby Counce, and his stepfather, George Waters. He is survived by two daughters, Susan Clark of Waycross and Cynthia Clark of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren Candice Nepi (Michael) of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., Ashley Smith (Chris) of Blackshear, and Dalton Basile of Waycross; sister, Karen Coe (Robby) of Panama City Beach, Fla.; nieces Brandi O’Neal (Brian) of Hoboken and Amber Norby of Waycross; and a special friend, Jerome Davis.
The family extends their deepest and most heartfelt appreciation to the wide network of loved ones who offered care, support, and compassion to him.
A funeral service was held Tuesday at Music Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service followed at Douglas City Cemetery. Sympathy may be expressed by posting to the tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome. com.
