John Staley

Class of 1997

John Staley was born January 17, 1925, in Troy, NC, where he attended Troy High School. During WWII he served in Europe, advancing from Normandy to Berlin. He married Ruth in 1943, and they raised one son, John, Jr.

John spent 48 years in the industry prior to his induction, 32 of those with Curtiss Candy Co. as salesman, supervisor, direct salesman, district manager and division manager. In 1960 he moved to Farley Foods U.S.A. where he rose through the ranks to vice-president of sales, national accounts. He was a national accounts manager with Favorite Brands International when he was inducted.

His industry honors include Salesman of the Year at Curtiss Candy Co. and Vendor of the Year for Sam’s and Rose’s.

John passed away on July 20, 2021, at the age of 96.