Will Stafford

Will Stafford, 86 of Big Branch Mountain Road of Hanover, departed this life on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at his residence following a short illness.

Born on August 26, 1925 at Cow Creek of Logan County, he was the son of the late Julius and Viola West Stafford.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by: one son, Ronnie R. Stafford; one daughter-in-law, Betty Lou Stafford; one granddaughter, Cheryl Rae Stafford; one great-granddaughter, Sophie Ellis; seven brothers: Ross, Elmer, Brack, Don, Buster, Edgar Mike and Arlan “Little Boy” Stafford; and five sisters: Maxine Lawrence, May Carter, Vicie Marie Stafford, Charlene Stafford and Inez White.

Will was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a dozer operator and a self-employed logging contractor with Georgia Pacific. He loved fishing, flea marketing and spending time with his wonderful family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to love and cherish the memory of Will and to mourn his passing include his loving wife of 59 years, Gertrude Hall Stafford; his three daughters: Linda “Sissy Bug” (Gary) Browning, Bernice (Leon) Walker and Deborah (Eric) Dwire; his son, Roger (Rose) Stafford; his brother, Harland “Big Boy” Stafford; his sister, Lena Kincaid; his six grandchildren: Brian K. Browning, Shanda R. Bishop, Anthony Dwayne Stafford, Shianna R. Goodman, Christopher M. Stafford and Leah D. Ellis; his seven great-grandchildren: Isaiah May, Jared K. Browning, Rylee E. Browning, ShaNille R. Stafford, Austin Bishop, Brayden Bishop and Kaley G. Goodman; his life long friend, Billy Barger, Jr.; his two special puppies: Chloe and Coco; and a host of nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends may gather with the family at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel in Gilbert on Friday, March 23rd from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 24th at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary Browning officiating.

Burial will follow in the Browning Dye Cemetery at Verner.

Will, will be carried to his final resting place by family and friends.

He is gone from our sight but never from our hearts.