Nov. 11, 1915 - June 14, 2007

 
  M. Stanley Wall, 91, husband of Ruby Hamm Wall, died Thursday, June 14.
  He was born Nov. 11, 1915, in Humphrey, Ky., the son of George W. and Vernice Durham Wall. Growing up on the family farm in Casey County, he quickly learned that work, knowledge, ambition and personal opportunity were necessary for personal and professional success. It was that dream for success that led him to Berea College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture in 1938. After graduation, he established a vocational agriculture program in Garrard County. He married Ruby Hamm in 1939 and the next year the newlyweds moved to Jefferson County where he developed and taught a vocational agriculture program at Jeffersontown High School. In 1946, the family moved to Lexington where he enrolled in the University of Kentucky and earned his master's and doctoral degrees. He began his university career as an agricultural education instructor and later became an associate professor in the College of Education. He was a charter member of Farm House Fraternity, serving as
 President of the Kentucky Association in 1954. In 1956, Dr. Frank Welch, dean of the College of Agriculture, contacted him and asked him to apply for the position of associate dean for instruction.
  During his decade as associate dean, he made many lasting contributions to the college. For example, he improved college-student relations, developed a first-rate counseling program, and improved public relations efforts with farm organizations. One of his greatest accomplishments was an alliance with the Farm Bureau Board of Directors that resulted in the formation of the "Kentucky Blueprint Committee for Agriculture," the committee responsible for securing the funds to build the Agricultural Science Center. On this project, he had the responsibility of working with the faculty and architects in developing plans for the facility. Wanting to be an even greater influence on the education of others, he moved to the relatively new University of Kentucky Community College System in 1966, where he served as associate dean until 1970. During that time, he coordinated the university's summer session.
 
  The pinnacle of his career came in 1970 when he was named vice president in charge of the Community College System. During his 11 years the Community College System became a major force in Kentucky education with 13 colleges and an enrollment rivaling that of the main campus. He has won many prestigious awards, served on dozens of university committees and written several books, all of which display his commitment to education. In 1973, Berea College honored him as its Distinguished Alumnus. In 1974, the International Farm House Fraternity selected him for their "Builder of Men" award. He retired from the university in Jan. 1981, but continued to be active in service to others. In 1985, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his service to the University of Kentucky and the people of the commonwealth. He was also honored in 1997 by the Farm Bureau for 40 years of service on its Resolution Committee and received the Outstanding Alumnus Award
 from Gamma Sigma Delta at the University of Kentucky. He and his wife raised five children and supported them in their many school and community activities. He has taught Sunday School and served as a deacon and elder at Broadway Christian Church, along with many other activities. He enjoyed woodworking and working at his Garrard County farm. He always found time to spend with his family.
 
  In addition to his wife of 68 years, he is survived by five children and their spouses, Michael and Ginger Wall of Paris, Ky., Maureen and Charles Garrison of Greenville, N.C., Phyllis and Richard Rohlf, Kathleen Harris and Charles Poole and Barbara Peebles, all of Lexington; 11 grandchildren, Debbie Rassenfoss, Kent Wall, Brian Wall, John Wall, Christy Reinhard, Julie Kodack, Anne St.-Aignan, Rachel Rohlf, Leigh Harris, Kirk Randolph and Nathan Randolph; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; as well as special friend Florence Huff. Also surviving are sisters Pauline Faulkner of Nicholasville, Charlotte Klein of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Marvel Morgan of Lincoln, Neb.
 
  Predeceasing him are grandchild David Wall, sister Vida Downey and brother George Shannon Wall.
 
  Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, at the W. R. Milward Mortuary-Southland, at 391 Southland Drive in Lexington, with burial at the Lancaster Cemetery.
 
  Casket bearers were his grandchildren.
 
  Honorary casket bearers were the members of the Builders Class at Broadway Christian Church.
 
  Visitation was Monday, June 18, at the funeral home.
 
  Memorial donations may be made to the M. Stanley Wall Scholarship Fund in Agriculture, UK Agriculture Office for Advancement, E. S. Good Barn, University of Kentucky, 1451 University Drive, Lexington, KY 40546-0097.