Edawrd James Stafiej

Edward James Stafiej, known lovingly as Ed or Eddie to many, and remembered best as a loyal friend, finished his earthly walk on Tuesday evening, September 16, 2025, as he entered his heavenly home at Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany, Mississippi. Funeral services honoring Mr. Edward's life will be at 2 PM Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with visitation from 11 AM until time of service. Bro. Doc Shelton will officiate. Born on August 26, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Edward was the son of the late Edward and Shirley King Stafiej. Growing up in Chicago, he received his education from the Illinois Public School System and proudly served his country in the United States National Guard. After making his way to Mississippi, he married his beloved wife, Mrs. Elwanda Wilbanks, in 1981. For thirty-five years, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion until her passing on December 4, 2016. A dedicated and hardworking man, Mr. Edward was employed as a foreman with Biltrite Corporation until his retirement. A faithful Christian, Mr. Edward was a man of simple pleasures who found joy in life's everyday blessings. He delighted in good meals, cheering on his favorite teams-the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and Ole Miss Rebels-and relaxing with a favorite television show. He was known for his sweet personality, gentle nature, and the warmth of his big heart. To know him was to love him, and his memory will remain a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to share in his life. Though his earthly journey has ended, Mr. Edward's legacy of kindness, humility, and love will continue to shine through the lives of those he leaves behind. His family and friends find comfort in the promise of Scripture: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." -2 Timothy 4:7-8 Those left to cherish his memories include one son, Ricky Joe Caviness, one daughter, Kimberly Dawn Earnest, three grandchildren, five sisters, Carol, Linda, Shirley, Denise, and Bonnie, and two brothers, Frank and Jim, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Edward is also preceded in death by on brother, d. J. and one sister, Claudia. Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Edwards family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edawrd James Stafiej, please visit our floral store.