William Jerry Stafford's Obituary
A Celebration of life service will be held at the chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Longview TX on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 12pm for William Jerry Stafford. Mr. Stafford passed away July 9, 2017 at Good Shepherd in Longview and was 74 years of age, being born June 28, 1943 in Henderson TX, to Mary Ann and William Stafford. Jim Hardin will officiate the ceremony. The family asks that friends and family come for a time of visitation from 6-8pm at Rader Funeral Home of Longview
Mr. Stafford was a graduate of Henderson High School. Following graduation, he was employed by M. N. Knox Ranching Service in Henderson. He was later employed for L. E. Hayward Paint Company at the Texas Eastman Co. site for 50 years in Longview. He had recently retired from the company.
Jerry was a hard worker, striving to please his employer and was a friend to all the people he worked with. He met Carol Hardin, of Tatum, the love of his life; and they were married in Tatum First Baptist Church on April 17, 1965. They just celebrated 52 years of marriage.
The family was very active in Trinity Baptist Church in Henderson, where they lived. They now attend Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Longview. Jerry was always doing something for his in-laws, Marcus and Agnes Hardin.
He loved planning and serving fish fries and bar-b-ques for the family. He loved watching football on T.V. with the family, especially the Dallas Cowboys.
Deceased members of his family are his parents William and Mary Ann Stafford; brothers Bryce and Cub Stafford; Sister Ollie Cannon; father-in-law Marcus Hardin. He is survived by his wife, Carol Hardin Stafford of Longview; 3 sons Dewayne Stafford of Longview, Wayne Stafford of Kilgore, Meredith Stafford and wife Laura of Longview; 1 grandson William Stafford of Longview; 1 sister Mrs. Joe Sorrels of Henderson and his mother-in-law Agnes Hardin of Longview; and Kevin Claiborne of Longview. All of the family wishes for friends to remember that Mr. Stafford has fought a good fight, has finished his course, and has kept the faith.
Burial will be in Tatum City Cemetery.
Family can be found at 715 Kay Drive in Longview for those whom wish to come with condolences.
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