Stanley James Weiss, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle to many, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Longview, Texas, at the age of 82.

Stanley is survived by his children, Shelby (Mark) Spencer, Scott (Tracey) Weiss, Shawn (Carrie) Weiss, Brandon Weiss, and Brandy Weiss; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.

Stanley was born on November 17, 1943, in Bay City, Michigan, and raised in Alpena. Shortly after graduating from Alpena High School, he made his way to Flint, Michigan, and eventually to Mount Morris, where he put down roots and began a long career doing what he knew best: building things with his own two hands.

A hardworking, blue-collar man through and through, Stanley spent his days as a licensed carpenter, building homes, garages, and pole barns, as well as tackling just about any remodeling project someone could dream up. Through his craftsmanship and personal touch, he left his mark on countless building projects throughout Genesee County and beyond.

Then, after the hammer and nails were tucked away in the apron, and the workday was done, Stanley’s real passion took over:

Hot rods, horsepower, and anything that was FAST and LOUD!

Stanley was a kid at heart when it came to classic cars and hot rods. His love of hot rodding was more than just a hobby; it was a lifelong passion. Over the years, he collected hot rod parts and thousands of Hot Rod magazines. Stanley didn’t miss an issue, reading and rereading them until the pages practically fell apart. If there was an article about a Chevy 427 L88, an old-school setup, or a way to squeeze a little more horsepower out of an engine, Stanley wanted to know about it—and, better yet, how to perfect it.

From monster truck shows and tractor pulls to Back to the Bricks and just about any local car show, you could bet your bottom dollar that Stanley would be there.

And then there were his toys.

Stanley was a true old-school hot rodder. Of all his toys, Stanley’s crown jewel was his 1930 Ford Model A—an original hot rod he began modifying at just 16 years old. More than a hot rod, it was a reflection of his ingenuity, passion, and lifelong love of building things with his own hands. Stanley spent decades perfecting his dream, and every detail carried a piece of his story. That Model A wasn’t just a collection of old-school parts; it was his very own version of old-school muscle right out of American Graffiti.

Whether he was proudly showing off his Model A at a local car show or simply wandering around admiring everyone else’s rides, Stanley was right where he wanted to be.

On warm summer weekends, you could often find him at a local drag strip, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and unmistakable smell of burning rubber and racing fuel. He loved helping friends fine-tune their hot rods and chasing that perfect run down the quarter-mile. For Stanley, there weren’t many better ways to spend a Saturday—especially if he had an ice-cold Pepsi or Sprite in his hand.

Stanley will be remembered as a man who worked hard, enjoyed the simple things in life, and never outgrew his love of hot rods and loud engines. And really, why would he?

While Stanley may have taken his final cruise here on earth, he leaves behind so much that will endure. The memories he made, the work of his own two hands, and the passion he shared with those around him will live on for generations.

Rest easy, Stanley. Your tools are put away, your work is complete, and somewhere up there in heaven, you’ve already found an open road, a full tank of gas, and not a speed-limit sign in sight!