Willie Ray Staggs

Willie Staggs, passed away December 20, 2025 in Sikeston, MO
Born on March 20, 1942 in Collinwood, TN, to the late Mary Lou Fraley Staggs and Wilson Staggs
He was lovingly known to family and friends as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family.

Willie was a hard-working man in every sense of the word. For many years, he was known as a skilled backhoe operator who took great pride in honest work. He never shied away from long days or tough jobs and was respected for his strength, loyalty, and dependability. The kind of man others could count on without question. Those who knew him well also knew his ornery streak, often followed by a grin and a laugh, a trait that became one of the many reasons his family loved him so deeply.

Willie is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Staggs; his siblings, Danny Staggs and Marilyn Graham; and his children, Petie Sailors, Terry Staggs, Jerry Staggs, Derry Staggs, Danny Staggs, and Joyce West.

He leaves behind cherished grandchildren, Matthew Sailors, Hayley Staggs, Logan Staggs, Alison Cooper, Kaitlyn Schlosser, Shade Staggs, Ethan Craft, Ashton Chadd, Justin Staggs, Garren Lewis, and Brenton Staggs, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Tommy Staggs and JW Staggs.

Above all else, Willie treasured his role as a great-grandfather. His face lit up whenever his great-grandchildren were near, and he took immense pride and joy in watching his family grow. He was especially proud of his great-grandchildren, Mattie, Eliza, Izzy, Ryker, Willow, Sutton, and many others who brought him immeasurable joy and filled his later years with laughter and love.

Willie will be remembered as a strong and loyal man, a tireless worker, and a loving family man whose legacy lives on through the generations he helped build. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

There are no services scheduled at this time. Ponder Funeral Home is overseeing the arrangements.

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