William Harold Stanford

Harold Stanford

Citrus Springs, FL – William Harold Stanford,87,  passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024 in Citrus Springs, FL. He was born on November 29, 1936, in Amory, Mississippi to the late Virgil Stanford and Iuna Noe. 

Harold grew up in Monroe County and graduated from Amory High School. A patriot, he served in the United States Army from 1954 until 1956. He was servant of others and worked at John Manvelles and later became part owner of Stanford’s Drive Inn from 1974 until 1984. Through the years, he served many a delicious meal to members of his community. He married the love of his life, Wanda L Cooprider on December 22, 1959 and they shared 63 wonderful years together. They made many wonderful memories, spending time with their precious family and traveling. He was a great husband, father and grandfather. He even was a father to strangers, inviting exchange students into his home through the Rotary Exchange Program. They hosted students from South Africa and Australia. 

He loved the Lord and loved others through witnessing and serving. His wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids all call themselves blessed because God put this precious man at the head of their family. In his younger days, before moving to Florida, he was a member of Bigbee Baptist Church for many years and faithfully served as Deacon. Upon moving to Florida, he became a member of Bible Baptist Church in Crystal River, FL.

In his downtime, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, gardening and just spending time with family and his loving dog Pete. He enjoyed listening to Gospel music and watching the Chicago Cubs. He was a friend to so many and always reminded those closest to him to “Always treat everyone as you want to be treated”.

He will be truly missed but his family knows that his Salvation was steadfast due to his love of the Lord. They can’t wait to see him again someday. Until then, they will treasure the wonderful memories made through the years.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Stanford, Citrus Springs, FL; one son, Toby Stanford, Crystal River, FL; one daughter, Amy Custer (Eric), Neenah, WI; five grandchildren, Josh Stanford (Casey), Kari Cravens (Brian), Rebecca Sutton (Jeremy), Corey Burdine, and Jenna Hallmark (Tyler); eight great-grandchildren, Andrew Stanford, Cole Stanford, Sarah Stanford, Easton Sutton, Cayson Sutton, Brayden Cravens, Addie Rae Cravens, and Hayes Hallmark.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Todd Stanford; five brothers, Earnest Stanford, James David Stanford, James Earl Stanford, Virgil C. Stanford Jr., and Joe Stanford; six sisters, Flora Seals, Ollie Bell Parham, Myrtle Cantrell, Geraldine Thompson, Dorothy Pickle, and Clara Jean Tubbs; and his daughter-in-law, Ramona Mitchell Stanford.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 1:00 pm at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, MS with Rev. Rodney Waycaster officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be from 11:00 am until the service hour at 1:00 pm.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com