William Jefferson (W.J.) Stanford, 80, of Fulton, MS left his earthly home on Friday, March 3, 2017, to wake in the presence of his Lord and Savior. He was born October 14, 1936 to the late Trannie Sylvester Stanford and the late Minnie Ann Owens Stanford.
He was married for 59 years to his “precious sweetheart” Julia Anne Lackey. He spent many years working for, and eventually retiring from the City of Fulton. He enjoyed watching television, cooking, fishing, gardening, and sharing tales of his of his chilhood with anyone willing to lend an ear. He was an active member of Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church in Fulton. A man of sound faith, W.J. believed in the power of his Heavenly Father and the perfect peace that waited him in Heaven.
Services will be at 1:00 pm on Monday March 6, 2017 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with Bro. Randy Hargett, Bro. Lloyd Minor, and Bro. Bobby Jarrell officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Sunday March 5, 2017 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.
Senter Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, a son, Steven Gregory (Carolyn) Stanford, 2 daughter in laws, JoAnn Stanford, and Sandra Stanford. He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren, Jon (Jan) Stanford, Laura (Erick) Velazquez, Jenny (his side kick Armando Walter) Garza, Garland West, Dean West, Chelsea (Corey) Rogers, as well as 9 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and a sister, Lura Parker of Picayune, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Trannie and Minnie Ann Stanford, 2 brothers, Cleston Stanford, Keldon Stanford, and 2 sons, Jeffery Wayne Stanford, and Phillip Mark Stanford.
Pallbearers will be Eddie Kilgore, Rodney Sullivan, Jay Hatcher, Joe Mask, Kevin Stanford, Ricky Johnson, Dale White.
Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews and special friend Terry Jamison.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.senterfuneraldirectors.com
