In the quiet community of Butler, Tennessee, a sudden act of violence shattered the peace on August 9, 2025, leading to the death of a beloved 84-year-old man, Bob Lee 'Pop' Stanley. The elderly man was found deceased at his home, the victim of a fatal gunshot wound. His passing was initially described as unexpected in his obituary, a testament to his hardworking nature, as he was still actively co-owning B&B Excavation with his grandson, Brandon Stanley, right up until his death.
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investigation into Stanley's death quickly led authorities to a suspect. Freddie Ray Skeens, a 68-year-old man from Mountain City, was arrested in connection with the shooting. The Johnson County Sheriff's Office charged Skeens with first-degree murder and one count of tampering with evidence, suggesting an attempt to conceal the crime. Skeens was subsequently booked into the Johnson County Jail, held on a substantial $1 million bond, and was scheduled for a court appearance the following Wednesday.
Bob Stanley was a man deeply rooted in his community and family. Born on May 10, 1941, he was a widower, having been preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Lois Ann Stanley, and their son, Rob Stanley. A faithful attendee of Mountain City Baptist Church, he was remembered for the legacy of nurture and care he extended to his family and the community. His life was celebrated by his surviving family, including his grandson and business partner, Brandon, other grandchildren, a son, and several great-grandchildren, who laid him to rest beside his late wife at Rock Springs Cemetery.
