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Edwin Stafford Obituary
Edwin was born in Ludowici on May 2, 1941, to Edwin and Madeira Stafford and graduated in 1959 from Bradwell Institute in Hinesville.
Achieving his dream of flying, he completed more than 300 missions in Vietnam as an Army Caribou pilot and retired as a 747 captain for Northwest Airlines. Edwin served in many roles with the Airline Pilots Association to help improve the airline pilot profession.
However, he always looked to his sons as his greatest accomplishment. A great father, pilot and friend, the void left by his passing is not easily filled.
Edwin is survived by his wife Jean; sons, Clay and Jake and their families; and sisters Ila Moody and Twila Sexton.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Contributions in the memory of Edwin can be made to: Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621 (hospiceoftheupstate.com) or The Georgia Alabama Land Trust, 226 Old Ladiga Road, Piedmont, AL 36272 (galandtrust.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Stafford
Barbara S Clack
July 22, 2025
I remember Ed and his children Clay and Jake when we all lived in Bethsaida Woods many years ago. We had great times together.
Faith Davis
August 11, 2017
Such a privilege to have known Ed for so long and for him to be a part of my family. I have two handsome, wonderful nephews that he left as a legacy. May God comfort both of them during this time of grief and find joy knowing we will see him again! Love to all!
Paul Eschenfelder
August 8, 2017
We won't see another one of these for many a while - fire in his eye but a smile on his lips. Great fellow to work with and a pleasure to be around. He came to work each day with a sense of awe of what he had accomplished & enjoyed every second of it. Fair winds & following seas, Captain Stafford.
Jerry & Barbara Clack
August 2, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of your loss, may you hold your memories in your hearts of a wonderful gentleman.
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August 2, 2017
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dan Mossman
July 31, 2017
A true Southern gentleman, a great pilot and a man I have always looked up to. What a wonderful man to emulate and admire.
Earl and Hilda Swindell
July 30, 2017
(CORRECTED)
WE 'THANK EDWIN METTS STAFFORD, JR" for his US Army Services for our country in Vietnam as an Army Caribou pilot and the many years service and retirement as a 747 Captain for Northwest Airlines. May he always - "Rest-IN-PEACE" and his services to our country never be forgotten. Jean, Clay, and Jake, always be proud of his accomplishments and sisters Ila & Twila and the rest of the families you should also be very proud of Edwin, as we are.
(CORRECTED)
Earl & Hilda Swindell
July 30, 2017
We "THANK EDWIN METTS STAFFORD, Jr.", for his US Army Military Service and completing more than 300 missions in Vietnam while serving as a Caribou pilot and then retiring following his Military Services from the Northwest Airlines as a 747 Captain. Mrs. Jean Stafford, Clay, and Jake, you should always be proud of his services and his sisters Ila Moody and Twila Sexton, plus the rest of his family should also be very proud of Edwin as we all are. May he always "REST-IN-PEACE"
Earl & Hilda Swindell
July 30, 2017
We "THANK EDWIN METTS STAFFORD, Jr.", for his US Army Military Service and completing more than 300 missions in Vietnam while serving as a Caribou pilot and then retiring following his Military Services from the Northwest Airlines as a 747 Captain. Mrs. Jean Stafford, Clay, and Jake, you should always be proud of his services and his sisters Ila Moody and Twila Sexton, plus the rest of his family should also be very proud of Edwin as we all are. May he always "REST-IN-PEACE"
Earl & Hilda Swindell
July 30, 2017
WE '"HANK EDWIN METTS STAFFORD, JR" for his US Army Services for our country in Vietnam as an Army Caribou pilot and the many years service and retirement as a 747 Captain for Northwest Airlines. May he always - "Rest-IN-PEACE" and his services to our country never be forgotten. Jean, Clay, and Jake, always be proud of his accomplishments and sisters Ila & Twila and the rest of the families you should also be very proud of Edwin, as we are.
July 30, 2017
may comfort come to you for your loss.
1 Thess.4:14
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