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WOFFORD STIDHAM Obituary
STIDHAM, 83
Lawyer
BARTOW - Wofford Hampton Stidham, 83, was born in Ocala to Wade Hampton Stidham and Dorris Simpson Stidham. Mr. Stidham passed away August 30, 2013 at his residence in Bartow of heart failure.
They moved to Bartow in 1935, making him a fourth generation Bartowan. He graduated from Summerlin Institute in 1948 and the University of Florida in 1952. He entered the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant during the Korean conflict and spent two years in Japan. While in the service he earned his paratrooper wings. He entered the University of Florida law school in 1954. He married Betty Faye Biggs, his wife of 58 years, in 1955 and returned to Bartow in 1957 after graduating to join the law firm that would become Holland and Knight. He served as president of the Bartow Kiwanis club, chairman of the Bartow Memorial Hospital Board, elder in the Presbyterian Church, and he was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. After 30 years with Holland and Knight, he opened his own practice in Bartow. In 1987 his son Jon joined him in the firm and now his grandson, Wade, is the third generation at Stidham and Stidham, PA.
Following retirement, Wofford spent much of his time pursuing his favorite hobbies: writing, hunting and enjoying his farm in Georgia. He completed three books: "The Farm" about his mother's family and homestead in South Georgia, "The Stidhams" about the Stidham family and, "Little Rosie" about a lawsuit involving a ranch in Montana.
He is survived by his wife Betty Faye, his sons, Jeff and Jon, a daughter-in-law Joanne, his grandchildren Wade, Joseph, and Murphy, his brother Lewis and sister-in-law Connie.
All friends and family are invited to a wake at a family residence, 645 E. Church St. in Bartow on Tuesday, September 3 from 5-7.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm at McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church, 695 W. Stuart Street in Bartow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities or McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Condolences may be made to the family at: www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WOFFORD STIDHAM
Nanette Justus Smith
September 3, 2013
I\Back in the 1950s it was my pleasure to meet Wofford at the University of Florida, and to learn that he was a person of great wit and fine character. I was married to one of his ATO brothers for 60 years, and all of our lives were enriched by knowing the group of fine young men who became some of Florida's leaders in subsequent decades. As a former Polk Countian, I was proud to count Wofford as a neighbor, and am proud of his contributions to his profession. Our prayers are with all of you who are his family.
Caroline Harkness
September 3, 2013
Betty and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only met the two of you one time, but really enjoyed it. It was so nice of Wofford to take me out and show me the location of my great great grandparents grave. I also appreciated the time he put into the book about Simeon and Sarah and their descendants.
John Anthony
September 2, 2013
Wofford was a wonderful man who we have loved and treasured for so many years. He leaves behind adoring friends and family, a great legacy in so many ways, for better life in Heaven. Bless you Wofford.
September 2, 2013
Our hearts and prayers are with you. What a great friend he was. Ann and Lynn Horne
September 2, 2013
Deepest Condolences and prayers.
- Tiffany Rhoton Walling and Tony Walling
Shirley Stewart and husband Bill
September 2, 2013
Our sincere heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family. I remember him well from my many years at the Hillsborough County Courthouse. May he rest in peace in the arms of his Savior.
Whidden-McLean Funeral Home - Bartow
September 2, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Whidden-McLean Funeral Home and Crematory - Bartow650 E. Main Street, Bartow, FL 33830
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