Billy Gerald "Pop" Stanford

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch

Billy "Pop" Gerald Stanford, 89, of Byhalia, MS, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 15, 2026. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Bethlehem Cemetery in New Albany, MS. Austin Means, Billy's grandson, will officiate.

Pop was born on March 6, 1937 in Ingomar, MS to the late Charlie Clay and Ruby (Crawford) Stanford. Pop was a truck driver for Yellow Freight retiring in 2007 after 32 years of dedicated service. He was very proud of his Million Mile Safe Driving awards from McLean Trucking and Yellow Freight. He was a very hard worker and was generous, and he provided well for his family and loved working on his land keeping it pristine. He enjoyed the old country music and classic western movies. He had a tendency to taunt people in a joking manner, which made him fun to be around. He also enjoyed going to NASCAR and dirt track races and driving around in his yellow Corvette.

In addition to his parents, Pop is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lee Rhodes Stanford; sisters Geneva Chittom , Joan Banks, and Louise Walker.

He is survived by his children, Jeff Stanford, Susan Brooks, Cindy Stanford, Brad Stanford, Michael Stanford; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sister Louise Walker. Kevin Dyer, Jessica Benson Brooks and Ricky McGregor also survive and were like grandchildren to Billy.

Online condolences may be placed on his tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeob.com.