Stanley Benjamin Gelbhaar, "Coach G",age 69, of Wallace left this earthly life for his eternal rest on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

He was born on May 17, 1950 in Newport News, VA and was the son of the late Paul and Wilma Brinkley Gelbhaar.  He was also predeceased by his brother, Vann Gelbhaar.

Stanley graduated in 1968 from the former Penderlea High School and attended Atlantic Christian College (now Barton) in Wilson, NC. He served his country honorably  and proudly in the US Navy. Stanley graduated from James Sprunt Community College and from UNC-Wilmington.  He taught and coached basketball at JSCC from 1978-81, then was out of the education system until he became employed at Charity Middle School in 1987-1988. Coach G coached volleyball at Charity from 1992-93, with five season regular season titles and tourney crowns, including two undefeated seasons.  Coach G also taught health and physical education and coached baseball at Charity.  He was offered a job to coach JV baseball at Wallace-Rose Hill High School, but Coach G declined because he had his teaching position at Charity. He felt the need of coaching kids at the same school where he taught them. That way he knew the kids and knew a lot of what they were dealing with.  Coaching was more than a job to Coach G.  He really cared about the kids he taught and coached.  His dedication and longevity were a huge asset to Charity and to the young people he coached. Later in 1998, he became the defensive basketball coach at Wallace Rose Hill with Coach Rob. That year they were undefeated and won the school first basketball state title. Coach G was an educator and coach for 27 years in the school system. After retirement, he continued to show  his love and concern love for young people as a driver's education teacher. Most of all,  Coach G enjoyed witnessing the successes that his players and students achieved in life.  What a legacy that Coach G left behind!

Surviving to cherish his memory is his best friend and wife of twenty-six years, Linda Storey Gelbhaar of the home; his children, Leigha Gelbhaar Espinal and husband, Kelvin of Wallace, Chris Rivenbark and wife, Melissa of Wake Forest, Tammy Whitney and husband, Aaron of Brantley County, GA, Craig Oglesby and wife, Kiera of Brunswick, GA, and Stephen Oglesby and wife, Cynara of Brunswick, Ga; grandchildren, Nicholas, Chyanne, Sylena, Genny, Darien, Megan, Graham, Aaron, Kaitlyn, Ganen, Riley, Drew, Tristan, Kaine, Danielle, Austin and Haylee; brother, Randy Gelbhaar of Watha; sister, Janice Gelbhaar and husband, Eddie Pate of Watha and numerous extended family and friends that loved "Coach G".

"Coach" was a loving husband and caring father, grandfather and brother who loved his family dearly.  He was a simple man with a great big heart who loved everybody, especially young people who are at an impressionable age.   He enjoyed volleyball, baseball and enjoyed coaching and teaching. But his passion was basketball and coaching young people.  Coach set a great example for all to follow and was a mentor to many young boys and girls throughout his teaching and coaching career. After retiring and during his illness, Coach was the happiest when his and Linda's children and grandchildren gathered and filled their home with laughter and joy, as well as seeing his former students and players from time to time. Coach was truly a  friend to all and was loved by everyone who knew him. He will surely be missed.

Due to Covid-19, there will be a private graveside service for the immediate family at Riverview Memorial Park.

There will be a celebration of life service for everyone to honor "Coach G" at a later date. Keep checking on this website for the date and time.

Memorial gifts maybe given in memory of Stanley Gelbhaar to Wallace First Assembly of God-Building Fund, PO Box 248, Wallace, NC  28466 or to New Hope Christian Academy,  PO Box 248, Wallace, NC  28466.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our "Guestbook" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, NC