Reginald "Al" Stafford

HAMPTON - Reginald 'Al' Stafford, age 77, passed away on Monday, Aug. 18, 2008.
He was born in Newport News and had been a lifelong resident of the Peninsula. Al was a very kind and loving person and cared deeply for all of his family and friends.
After graduating from Warwick High School in 1950, Al served two years in Germany in the United States Army Artillery during the Korean Conflict followed by a 42 year career with Newport News Shipyard and Dry Dock Company. He retired in April of 1993 as a Steel Fabrication Specialist in the X15 Department. He was affiliated with Liberty Baptist Church and was a member of the Senior Men's Sunday School Class.
His interests and hobbies led him to teach himself how to play the organ. Later in his life he developed a fondness for time in the outdoors and enjoyed sharing walks along the Noland Trail at the Mariners' Museum with his twin brother Bob, watching birds and other animals in their natural environment.
Preceding him in rest is his wife, Donna H. Stafford, which he shared his life with for 49 years. Also preceding him in rest is his son, Jackie C. DeHart, who was a decorated soldier killed in Viet Nam; his mother, Sylvia Ozell Piercey, and father, Robert Glen Stafford; and his sister, Geraldine Hathaway.
He is survived by his daughter, Ramona D. Walker and husband, Robert M., of Hampton; grandchildren, Jason L. Walker of Hampton and Nora W. Marien and husband, Ty, of Newport News; brothers, Robert 'Bob' Stafford and wife, Tilda, of Newport News and Ronald E. Stafford and wife, Joan, of Newport News; sister, Teresa Johnston and husband, Brice, of Virginia Beach; and nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A service celebrating Al's life will begin at 1 p.m. and will be officiated by Pastor Joe Hunt from Liberty Baptist Church, following the visitation. Interment will be in Parklawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Virginia Living Museum.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.mem.com to share fond memories and words of comfort with the family.
Service arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.