Garrell “Gerald” Grimes Stanford

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.