Starr Neely Stacy, Jr.., M.A.

Appalachian State University

Universities and colleges--Faculty

Dr. Richard D. Howe

Lynette Tuttle

1987

Biographical sketches

Boone (N.C.)

https://www.geonames.org/4456703/boone.html

1980s

2000-2010

Professor Emeritus

Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences. Starr Neely Stacy, Jr. (March 4, 1910—), college professor, was born in Clo­ver, South Carolina, the son of Starr Neely Stacy, Sr., and Martha Salena Ormand Stacy. Starr Neely Stacy, Sr. was a farmer, contrac­tor, and salesman for Taylor Chemical Com­pany. Stacy, Jr. graduated from Appalachian State University in 1935 with a B.S. in mathe­matics. He earned his M.S. degree in mathe­matics at George Peabody College (now af­filiated with Vanderbilt University), in Nash­ville, Tennessee in 1938. He also studied at DePaul University and the University of Chicago, and took specific courses in Clin­ton, Ontario, Canada (studying British ra­dar); Patterson Field, Dayton, Ohio; Tonopah, Nevada; Windover, Utah (studying glide bombs); and Purdue University (study­ing physics). Stacy volunteered for the United States Army Signal Corps (detached service) in November, 1942, and was honorably dis­charged in November, 1945. While in the Army Stacy studied at the University of Chicago, where he learned of the United States' efforts toward building an atomic bomb. In fact, he learned of that tentative first step, starting a chain reaction in a pile of uranium and graphite bricks, in a comman­deered squash court on the University of Chicago campus, on December 2, 1942. The first power surge was not greater than a kitchen match, but it has burned its way through history. Stacy married Minnie Faye Costner (March 15, 1924 - July 17, 1960) on July 26, 1945 in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was the daughter of John Caleb Costner and Hester Pruett of Casar, North Carolina. The couple
were blessed with four children. The eldest is John Neely (Johnny) Stacy (August 29, 1946 in Boone, North Carolina), who earned his B.S. degree in pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He married Barbara Kay Greene (April 23, 1947 in Boone, North Carolina), on August 18, 1968, the daughter of Clyde Smith Greene and Regina Lawrence Greene of Boone, North Carolina. Their children are Dawn Sharray Stacy (January 15, 1970 in Boone, North Carolina - ); Shannon Ann Stacy (November 25, 1971 in Boone, North Caro­lina); and Dustin Neely Stacy (July 1, 1975 in Boone, North Carolina -). Martha Ann Stacy (June 17, 1949 in Boone, North Carolina), earned a B.S. degree in home economics at Appalachian State University, and an M.A. degree in home economics at the University of Tennes­see, Knoxville. She was married to Delaware's Congressman Thomas R. Carper on January 1,1986. Nancy Faye Stacy (October 14, 1950 in Boone, North Carolina ), earned a B.S. degree at Appalachian State University, an M.S. degree in physical science at East Caro­lina University, and an M.S. degree and Ph.D. degree, both in molecular biology, at the University of Texas at Dallas. She married Francis DuVal Shepherd III (April 24, 1952 ), on June 28, 1975. He is the son of Francis DuVal Shepherd, Jr., and Kathleen Boyle Shepherd of Richmond, Virginia. Their children are Brandon Keith Shepherd (July 3,1979 in Dallas, Texas), Mark Neely Shepherd (March 15, 1984 in Cologne, Ger­many ), and Jeffrey Ryan Shepherd (Sep­tember 21, 1986 in Delaware, Penn. ). Rebecca Susan Stacy (October 26, 1955 in Boone, North Carolina ), earned a B.S. degree in environmental design and product visual design with a minor in indus­trial arts at North Carolina State University (cum laude). She married Elisha Ford King, V (February 5, 1943), on December 22, 1979. He is the son of E. Ford King, Jr., and Mae Sue King of Boone, North Carolina. Their children are Jennifer Noel Stacy King (November 5, 1981 in Boone, North Caro­lina), Kelly Starr Ryan King (September 30, 1985 in Boone, North Carolina), and Sarah Ashley Grace King (August 25, 1987). Starr Stacy's second marriage was to Margaret Gwendolyn Crawford (November 5,1921), on December 21, 1962. She is the daughter of Robert Ruffin Crawford and Ethel Austell of Earl, North Carolina. Stacy began teaching at Appalachian State University on September 1, 1935, and retired on May 31, 1974-a total of 39 years and 4 months. He first taught mathematics, then geography through 1942. Upon his re­turn from the service he taught all mathemat­ics and geography courses offered until 1948. He then taught physics until 1962, after which he taught mathematics until his retire­ment. During his long years at the university, Stacy "wore many hats." He was the director of Newland Hall from 1933 until he left for the service in 1942. From 1933 until the fall of 1942, Stacy served as the institution's alumni secretary. Upon his return from the service, Stacy sold insurance on a part-time basis. Stacy is a charter member of the First Presbyterian Church of Boone, North Caro­lina. Since his retirement from Appalachian State University, Stacy has spent many hours on his tree farm in Caldwell County and also has expended much time and expense in researching the Stacy family history. As his former colleagues and his many thousands of students will attest, Starr Stacy is beloved by all who know and respect was an outstanding teacher, a good friend, him. Sources: Appalachian State University files, long association, and personal interviews. - Dr. Richard D. Howe and Miss Lynette Tuttle