William "Bill" Morton Stafford

William “Bill” Morton Stafford

Tupelo- William “Bill” Morton Stafford, 91, passed away Friday, December 9, 2022, at Traceway Greenhouses in Tupelo. Bill was born September 21, 1931, to William Haywood Stafford and Lessie Velma Claunch in Fayette, Tennessee. He graduated from Fayette County High School. From 1948 until 1954, Bill served his country in the United States Navy as a 3rd Class Gunners Mate. On May 11, 1954 he married Barbara Parker and soon moved to Tupelo. In 1963, Bill opened Varsity Barber Shop, and operated the business until his retirement in 2009 and now his son, Dennis Stafford, proudly follows in his father’s footsteps.

Bill was an active man in the Tupelo community and had a servant’s heart; he often gave to others in need without any need of recognition. In 1974, he was elected and served as a Ward 3 Alderman in Tupelo. Bill enjoyed being an active member of the American Legion, Tupelo Shriners, Masonic Lodge, and Tupelo Breakfast Civitans.

He was an avid golfer, fisherman, hunter, Mississippi State fan, and bluegrass picker. Throughout his life he was an active bluegrass mandolin player with multiple bands. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was his family’s hero.

Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Stafford of Tupelo; three children, Teresa Stafford Horton and her husband, Terry, Dennis Stafford and his wife, Cindy, and Patrick Stafford and his wife, Wendy, all of Tupelo; eight grandchildren, Ashley Evans of Tupelo, Will Stafford and his wife, Rebecca, of Tupelo, Hillary Jorgensen and her husband, Travis, of Davidson, North Carolina, Madison Smith and her husband, Kyle, of Tupelo, Clayton Horton of Tupelo, Anna Claire Stafford and her fiancé, Kyle Costilow, of Nashville, Tennessee, Addison Rodgers and her husband, Drew, of Tupelo, and Connor Gable of Tupelo; three great-grandchildren, Hudson Evans, Parker Stafford, and Hayes Evans; two sisters, Alene Darnell and Shirley Wade and her husband, Julian; a host of nieces and nephews; and a special caregiver, Kathy Riddle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Haywood and Velma Stafford; two brothers, Arthur Sidney Stafford and Malcolm “Gene” Stafford.

Visitation will be 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring Bill’s life will be at 12 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Rev. David Reeves officiating. Private graveside services will be at Tupelo Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to your charity of choice in memory of Bill.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .