Paul Stanton Obituary

Dr. Paul Eugene Stanton, Jr.

March 5, 2026

Dr. Paul Eugene Stanton, Jr., President Emeritus of East Tennessee State University, passed away at his home on March 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Atlanta, GA, the son of the late Paul Eugene Stanton and Mary Ruth Pollard Stanton.

Dr. Stanton shared nearly six decades of marriage with his beloved wife, Nancy Lynn Brumit Stanton. They would have celebrated their 60th anniversary on July 2, 2026, a testament to a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and family.

After graduating from Emory University, Dr. Stanton earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He completed post-graduate training at Tampa General Hospital, Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta and Northwestern University in Chicago. Board certified in peripheral vascular surgery, he practiced for nine years in Atlanta before answering a calling to academic medicine.

In 1985, Dr. Stanton moved to Johnson City to help build and develop the vascular surgery program at the Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University. His leadership and dedication quickly became evident as he served as Chair of Surgery, Dean of the Medical School, and Vice President of Health Sciences.

In 1997, the Board of Regents appointed Dr. Stanton as the eighth President of East Tennessee State University, a position he held for 15 years. During this time, he led the university through a period of growth and transformation, always championing the institution's mission of education, service, and opportunity for the people of Appalachia. In recognition of his lasting contributions, the academic building on the Mountain Home VA campus was named in his honor.

Dr. Stanton authored numerous medical journal articles and book chapters. He served on many boards and received innumerable awards and recognitions including the Milligan College Leadership in Christian Service, induction into the College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences Hall of Fame, recipient of the Mountain States Spirit Award, recognition as an ETSU Honorary Alumnus and induction into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame.

Despite these many achievements, Dr. Stanton often said his greatest and most meaningful roles were those of husband, father and grandfather. His greatest joy came from spending time with family, and he provided education saving accounts for each grandchild.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, Dr. Stanton is survived by his two sons, Eric (Kelsi) and Ryan (Donna) Stanton, and his daughter, Shelley (Mo) Canada. He was the proud grandfather of Matthew (Aaliyah), Christopher (Courtney), and Michael Stanton; Ava and Amelia Stanton; Grayson, Evan, and Sadie Canada. His great-grandchildren are Isaiyah, Calvary, and Cooper Stanton. Dr. Stanton is also survived by his brother, Wil Stanton (Angela). He was preceded in death by two infant sons.

A service of remembrance will be held Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church with visitation following the service. Early arrival by those in attendance is appreciated. Pre-service music will begin at 1:30 pm, and the service will be livestreamed at Munsey.org.

Dr. Stanton's life was defined by service to his patients, to his university, to his community and, most of all, to his family. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through medicine, education, leadership and love.

For those who wish, donations may be made for scholarships to the East Tennessee State University Foundation, P.O. Box 70721, Johnson City, TN, 37614-1710 or for the music program at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1336, Johnson City, TN, 37605.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the Stanton family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Stanton family. (423) 282-1521.