Carey Philip Stanley was born June 21, 1931, in Opp, Alabama. He would later become one of the most influential business and civic leaders in the town’s history. The son of Charlie Washington Stanley and Jessie Page Stanley, Philip would later marry his wife Jeanie and rear three children, Donnie Philip Stanley, Deborah Jane Christ, and Michael Carey Stanley.
Not surprisingly, Philip’s senior class at Opp High School voted him “most likely to succeed.” His life and career have only proven his classmates right. In August 1949, he began an amazing career with the Opp and Micolas Mills. Having worked through several mill departments including the testing lab and the supply room, Philip retired from his career in 1996 as president and chief operating officer. A testament to his business acumen came when he was called out of retirement to assume a new role as president of Greige Fabrics Division of Johnston Industries, managing plants in Opp and Columbus, Georgia, and sales offices in New York and Valley, Alabama. A second retirement from the business world came in February 1999. Without question, under Philip’s leadership, the
Opp and Micolas Mills developed into strong, effective textile manufacturers, and became a centerpiece of Opp, Alabama’s economic life. Philip’s business expertise in the field of textiles has reached beyond the city limits of Opp. He has been a past president and director of the Alabama Textile Manufacturers Association; a past president of Alabama Textile Operating Executives; a past president of Alabama Textile Education Foundation; a delegate to the National Cotton Council; a member of the board of directors for Johnston Industries; and a member of the Alabama Legislative Textile Advisory Committee.
State and community leaders have often sought business insight in economic matters not necessarily tied to the textile trade. He has been a trustee at Alabama Electric Cooperative; a director with SouthTrust Bank of Covington County; a director with Mizell Memorial Hospital; a director on the Business Council of Alabama; a past member of the Governor’s Economic Development Commission; a member of the Covington County Economic Development Commission; and a chairman of the Opp Industrial Development Board.
Realizing the influence the business world can have on education; Philip has spent much of his career working to improve Opp’s school system. He served on the board of education for ten years, twice chairing it. During his tenure with the board, Opp’s schools were first integrated, and Opp High School and Opp Middle School were built. In his role as a member of the Opp Micolas Education Foundation, Philip has helped more than 1,098 of Opp’s youth attend college. Since 1969, $1,301,225,32 has been awarded to these students. He also serves on the Advisory and Foundation Boards of Douglas MacArthur State Technical College.
One thing is certain: Philip Stanley has been a participant and not a spectator in the life of this town. He has served as president for many organizations including the Opp Lions Club, the Opp Chamber of Commerce, the Opp Toastmaster’s Club, and the Opp United Fund. He is also an active member of the Opp Historical Society, a group that honored Philip by naming its new facility after him.
His commitment to being a leader has graced not only these many civic organizations but also his church. A member of the First Baptist Church of Opp for over fifty years, Philip has served in virtually every capacity, including that of teacher, deacon, and trustee.
To recognize his formidable achievements, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a resolution citing Philip’s many professional and civic accomplishments. On January 27, 2000, Philip became one of only four people ever to receive the Ray Jeffcoat Outstanding Service award given by Alabama Electric Cooperative. Carey Philip Stanley, this quiet giant among men, has left his mark on the life of his town and state. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
