William Ward "Billy" Stafford

1957 - 2024

William "Billy" Ward Stafford

October 18, 1957 - January 9, 2024

Gastonia, North Carolina - William Ward Stafford, better known as Billy, was born October 18, 1957 in Marion, SC, a son of Margaret Ward Stafford and the late Max G. Stafford. The family moved to Gastonia, where Billy lived a rich and vibrant life until he left us much too soon at age 66. He spent the last month surrounded by the love and presence of his wife, his brother Bobby, daughter Kenan, sons Damon and Travis, and the incredible care team in the CVICU, whose professionalism and compassion were beyond compare. With his wife by his side, Billy passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center.

Billy was raised in Gastonia, attended public schools, and was a 1976 graduate of Ashbrook High School where he was an excellent student, played numerous sports and was quarterback for the Greenwave's 1974 State Championship team. He attended Western Carolina University where he majored in Business Administration when he wasn't playing sports or listening to the great music of the 70's. Billy never met a stranger, maintained close friendships from all areas of his life as far back as kindergarten, and was a gregarious and fiercely loyal friend.

Led Zeppelin, Phish, Plant & Krauss, Prince, David Childers, WSGE 91.7 (especially Highway 321 Blues), and live music anywhere, any time were all part of the soundtrack of Billy's life, and his recall of albums, lyrics, dates and band members was impeccable.

His sports knowledge was legendary …

As one of his young friends said: "There wasn't a Carolina game he missed, a stat or a play from any sport he couldn't recall, or a memory and laugh he wasn't willing to share. His love for live music, the Tar Heels, the Raiders and New York Yankees was rivaled only by his devotion to family and friends."

Known variously to his family and friends as Pops, Daddy-o, Daddy, Pookie, "High School Billy", Chief Willamu or Grandaddy, Billy loved family more than anything, and his 5 grandchildren were the joy of his life. Ballgames, beach vacations, repeated trips to the Schiele Museum, reading stories, cruising the neighborhood on the riding mower …. any day spent with the grands was a great one.

Billy's memory will be held close by his mother Margaret; his wife, Ring Torrence Stafford of Gastonia; brother, Robert "Bobby" Stafford and wife Anna Jarrell of Gastonia; sons, Damon Stafford and wife Caroline of Charlotte and children Sullivan and Callahan; Travis Stafford and Claressa Grant of Sneads Ferry and son Grant; daughter, Kenan Reid and husband Brandon and children Ella Rae and Max; step-son Josh Terry and wife Sarah and children Eliza Jane and Mac; and his much loved extended family in South Carolina.

A celebration of life will take place at 2:00pm, Saturday, January 20, 2024 in Founders Chapel of McLean Funeral Directors with Rev. Dwayne Burks and Jill Kimbirl officiating. A reception and gathering with the family will follow the service at the funeral home. Please wear casual clothing in your favorite shade of Carolina blue.

Instead of flowers, please consider a donation in Billy's memory to: The Ashbrook Foundation Fund, c/o Gaston Community Foundation PO Box 123, Gastonia, NC 28053 or <https://cfgaston.org> ; Gaston College Foundation, 201 Hwy 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034, www.gastoncollegefoundation.org <http://www.gastoncollegefoundation.org>, designate for WSGE 91.7 radio.

…or simply extend a hand in friendship or help someone in need. Be the things you loved most about Billy Stafford.

Condolence messages may be shared at www.McLeanFuneral.com. <http://www.McLeanFuneral.com/> McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving Billy's family