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Will Elbert Stafford, 85, of Collierville, TN departed from this life May 2, 2020, to be in the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He was born to the late Ether and Eva Stafford, January 23, 1935, in Milan, TN. Will graduated from Milan High School in 1953, received a BS from Memphis State College in 1957, received a MA from Memphis State University in 1958, and began his PhD at the University of Arizona. He married the late Karen Roberts Stafford in 1960, and they lived in Tucson and Ft. Lauderdale before settling in Memphis.
While completing his undergraduate and graduate degrees, Will was active in KA and Phi Delta Kappa, was President of both MSU and West TN Young Republicans, and was Gibson County Co-Chairman of MSU's drive for university status.
Will began his career as a teacher of English and American History at Whitehaven Jr. High School and then moved to Tucson and taught English and European History at Rincon High School. Will changed careers ultimately becoming Regional Group and Pension Manager for The Bankers Life Co./The Principal Financial Group for 33 yrs.
The University of Memphis was very important to Will, and he invested a great deal of time and talent for the good of the University. He was National Chairman for the Annual Fund Program 1981-1982, National Alumni President 1987-1988, member of The President's Club, a Columns Society member, and a loyal supporter of Tiger Football and Basketball for most of his adult life.
Will was an avid softball player and was the Manager of his competitive slow pitch team. He was inducted into the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame for Slow Pitch Softball in 2001.
He loved gardening-especially growing tomatoes-and was awarded TN Master Gardner in 1999. He loved to travel, and he was a frequent spectator at his grandchildren's sporting events.
Will is survived by his daughter, Suzanne (Gary) Kennedy, his son Scott (Laura Painter) Stafford, his grandchildren Ellis and Victoria Kennedy and Laura Grace and Scotty Stafford, his sister Rachel (Jere) Cox, his niece Sandra Cox and nephew Brent (Susie) Cox.
A family graveside service will be held Thursday, May 7, 2020, at 3:00 at Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Grace Evangelical Church, Second Presbyterian Church, or the University of Memphis.
Will Stafford was strong and courageous to the end of his life, claiming Joshua 10:25: "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous…." He will be missed.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in The Daily Memphian on May 6, 2020.
At 8:00 A.M. on May 2 2020, Will E. Stafford passed away peacefully. He was survived by his daughter Suzanne Welch Kennedy, his son Scott Stafford, his sister Rachel Cox, and four wonderful grandchildren. He was an alum of Memphis State University where he received an undergraduate degree and graduate degree. He was an educator in Arizona, Florida and Whitehaven. He was a lifelong fan of the Memphis Tigers and faithfully donated to his alma mater. He lived a wonderful life with his sweetheart Karen Roberts Stafford and dearly loved his family. We love you and may you rest in peace. Brent and Sandra Cox, his nephew and niece.
Other comments...
Will was my first cousin, but had graduated high school before I was born. Despite the age difference, we shared many common interests. We loved many of the same things, notably the University of Memphis and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a family man; reunions or family gatherings, whatever the occasion, he was always there for his family. He will be missed.
Gordon Welch
We in Almadale Farms have a special place in our hearts for Tiger Will. He has been contributing his wit and wisdom as a Master Gardener in our newsletter for so many years. He will be sorely missed.
MJ Doran
Prayers for your family. Will and my husband spent many fun-filled times together during their days at Memphis State. I can only imagine their reunion in Heaven. Beverly Greenhill
Mr. Stafford was my 8th grade English teacher and because of him, I love literature and poetry today! !!! Rest in peace, sir. Margaret Sinquefield-Nun
Prayers to you and your family. I grew up down the street from Mr. Will. He gave me my first job in high school cutting his yard. I cut that yard for years. It’d take me 3+ hours b/c we’d spend 2 hours talking Tigers. RIP Mr. Will. You will be missed. John Nelson
Sorry for your loss! He was my 7th grade teacher at Whitehaven and I met my husband, Paul, in that class! He was an excellent English teacher which caused my interest in teaching English, also. Paul and I met him for lunch a little over a year ago and enjoyed catching up! When I was a young mother, I was privileged to be in a Bible Study Fellowship Class that Karen taught, and she was an excellent teacher!
Loved them both! So happy that I had the opportunity to know them! Jane Braswell Baddour
So sad to hear this. He was my favorite teacher and it was really fun to reconnect with him in the last few years.
Marilyn Eades
I worked with Will at Principal Financial Group from 1973 to 1998 (when he retired and I moved to Nashville area to open PFG office here in 1999.) He was a mentor to me as well. What a great man. My parents and aunt and and uncle were also avid Tiger fans and rode the bus from Germantown to downtown Memphis with him to see the basketball games . We stayed in touch some during the last 20 years. He will certainly be missed. But he’s joined his beloved, Karen, in heaven now. Dottie Dacas Northam
I really appreciate Will as my 7 th grade History teacher at Whitehaven Jr High School. I am 75 years old and still remember him. “THANK YOU” I survived. Bob D
Gravesite Details
He is buried next to his wife Karen and very near his uncles Blake and Royal Welch.
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1935 - 2020 (85 years)
