Mr. Garrell “Gerald” Grimes Stanford, 80, died at his home in Abbeville on Saturday, May 1, 2021. The funeral service will be held at New El Bethel Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Bobby Snow officiating. Burial will follow at New El Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 12:30 P.M.
Mr. Stanford was born in Lafayette County to the late Chester Bradley and Sarah Grimes Stanford on January 30, 1941. He served his country honorably in the Army National Guard for 36 years, retiring at the rank of First Sergeant. He worked for and retired from the US Department of Agriculture Sedimentation Lab. He also worked and retired from the Lafayette County School District after working as a Special Needs Monitor. Mr. Stanford was a faithful member of New El Bethel Baptist Church, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Ann Stanford and his son, Eddie Stanford.
He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Janice Downs Stanford, of Abbeville, MS; a step-daughter, Beth Bennett Garner and her husband, Paul of Byhalia, MS; a step-son, Chris Bennett and his wife, Sandra of Oxford, MS; a sister, Brenda Stanford Holloway and her husband Steve, of Water Valley, MS; a granddaughter, Amanda Stanford Sowell and her husband, Sonny Perkins; a grandson, Hunter Stanford and his wife, Megan; a step-granddaughter, Emma Kate Bennett; a step-grandson, Channing Reid Bennett; a great-granddaughter, Piper Stanford; 3 great-grandsons, Ethan Stanford, Evan Sowell, and Eli Sowell; and a nephew, Brad Terry.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Stanford’s memory may be made to New El Bethel Baptist Church at c/o James Barbee; 155 County Road 488; Oxford, MS 38655, or First Baptist Church of Abbeville at 15 East Long Street; Abbeville, MS 38601.
For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please call 662.234.7971 or visit www.wallerfuneralhome.com.
Visitation
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 12:30PM – 2:00PM
New El Bethel Baptist Church
7 CR 488
Oxford, MS 38655
Service
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 2:00PM – 12:00AM
New El Bethel Baptist Church
7 CR 488
Oxford, MS 38655
Graveside
Wednesday, May 5, 2021 3:00PM – 12:00AM
New El Bethel Cemetery
7 CR 488
Oxford, MS 38655
Hello, I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and I would like to express my condolences by sharing an encouraging scripture with you from the Bible. The scripture is found at Revelation 21:3,4 which says:
“ With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” So we can look forward to the time when ‘Death will be no more.’
Dear Stanford family, I’m sorry for your loss and you have my deepest condolences. The loss of a loved one brings great pain and sorrow but you can gain comfort from Gods word the Bible. Acts 24:15 says “There is going to be a resurrection” so you can see your dear loved one again. A promise from our loving Heavenly Father. I hope this was a source of encouragement for the family.