Joe Robertson Stafford

Joe Robertson Stafford, 76, of Sugar Run, Pearisburg, Va., went to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born March 6, 1933, in Sugar Run, Va., to the late Joe P. and Dorothy Robertson Stafford. He was a lifelong resident of the Sugar Run Community and was a member of the Thessalia United Methodist Church there. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Walter Brooks Stafford. He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 54 years, Betsy Goad Stafford; son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Robin P. Stafford, of Pearisburg; daughters and sons-in-law, Dottie S. and Paul King, of Dublin, Va., and Sherry S. and Richard Legard, of Pearisburg; one granddaughter and her husband, Heather K. and Rob O'Neal, of Pearisburg; and three great-grandchildren, Robert Paul, Rheannen Lynette and Savannah Belle Boyd O'Neal. Also surviving, one brother and sister-in-law, Bane and Eleanor Stafford, of Pearisburg. Special thanks to Drs. Paul and Pam Olson and the staff of Giles Internal Medicine for their love and support and excellent care. Joe retired from the Celanese Corp. after 34 years of service as a pipefitter. Until his illness, he continued to farm and hunt with an avid love for his land, his farm equipment and his animals including several that the family referred to as "kids and grandkids with fur". He was a master woodworker who enjoyed spending countless hours in his shop building and refurbishing projects to share with his family and friends. Visitation will be held Friday, January 8, 2010, from 5 7 p.m. at the Thessalia United Methodist Church with services immediately following with the Rev Jack Jenkins and Charles Henderson. Burial services will be conducted by the Oddfellows at the Thessalia Cemetery on Saturday, January 9, 2010, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Thessalia Methodist Church building fund. Online condolences may be sent in care of Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, which is serving the family, at givensfuneralhome.com.