Stephen R. Stanford

Saltillo - Stephen Ray Stanford, 56, died Friday, September 25, 2009, at The North Mississippi Medical Center after a sudden illness. A Lee County native and lifelong resident, he was born July 26, 1953 to Fletcher and Ruth Malone Stanford. A 1971 graduate of Tupelo High School, he then went on to University of Mississippi where he graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He worked for Napa Auto Parts as Territorial Sales Manager for nearly 23 years. Earlier he worked 5 years for Winn Dixie Stores and nine years Save First Auto Parts. He was an avid reader and Nascar fan. He enjoyed traveling. He was an active member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and a dedicated Christian.

Services will be 3 p.m. Sunday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Guss Shelly, Dr. Rick Brooks, and Rev. Jay Stanley officiating. Burial will be in Beech Springs Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, June Stanford of Saltillo; one brother, Gerald Stanford (Ann) of Tupelo; one sister Marilyn Vail of Tupelo; his sister-in-law, Susan Stanford of Tupelo; a host of nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Johnny Stanford.

Pallbearers will be the Napa Sales Staff, Rickey Talley, David Smith, James Tucker, Tony Isbel, Brennan Morgan, Tad Cummins, and Warren Sherman.

His nephews and nieces will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Visitation will be 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to The Food Pantry at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1400 Clayton Ave, Tupelo MS 38804.