Billy Wayne Stanford was born in Marks, MS on October 16, 1933, the seventh of eight children of William and Clara Stanford. Bill was baptized on April 25, 1948 and graduated from Marks High School in 1952.

After completing his degree in Chemical Engineering at Ole Miss in 1957, Bill entered basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois where he sang in the U.S. Navy Blue Jacket Choir throughout the Chicago-Milwaukee area. His first employment in the chemical industry was TVA in Muscle Shoals, AL.

Bill moved to Yazoo City, MS in 1959 where he began a 19-year career at Mississippi Chemical Corporation (MCC). During his time at MCC, Bill worked in various roles. He was instrumental in personnel training and startup of several plants, including the world's largest double contact sulfuric acid plant in Pascagoula, MS. He was named MCC Production Manager in 1975.

In 1978, Bill and his family moved to Clinton, MS. He managed the Filtrol Corporation Plant in Jackson, MS until 1982.

In January 1983, Bill enrolled in New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Upon graduation he served as the first full-time Pastor for Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Madison, MS where he enjoyed his time with its wonderful members. Bill retired in 1998 and joined Margarita in a second career with AFLAC traveling throughout the South.

His service activities included the Downtown Rotary Club of Jackson, District Commissioner of the Andrew Jackson Council Boy Scouts, and the Clinton High School Attache' Parents initiating the annual barbecue that was a successful fundraiser for many years.

Bill was a craftsman and an artist, sharing his talents with his annual Christmas Village and his oil and acrylic paintings. He was a charter member of the Magnolia 56 Village Collectors and his displays were featured in two magazines and on television.

Missions were a joy in Bill's life, teaching Bible School on Maui and Kona, preaching in Honduras, and teaching English in Bangkok and the Czech Republic. Global Maritime Missions in New Orleans was his destination for many weekends, weeks, or months at a time. He and Margarita conducted Sunday worship services in local nursing homes in Yazoo City and Clinton for over a decade. As a member of First Baptist Church Clinton, he served as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and a member of the choir.

Bill enjoyed traveling throughout the world with his family and led tours for NAWAS Christian Tours throughout Europe.

As a husband, father, grand- and great-grandfather, pastor, and friend, Bill shared his spiritual gift of unselfish generosity. This included spending time as a Scoutmaster and his vacation weeks at Boy Scout Camp Kickapoo preparing many young men for achieving their Eagle Scout rank.

His survivors include his wife, sons Stan (Shelia), Steve (Cindy), John (Kim), and Scott (Stacey), grandchildren Corbin (Kate), Tess, Drew, Abbey, Quincy, Jackson, Caroline, and Paxson, great-grandchildren Kathryn and Collier, a brother-in-law John Koeltz, and a host of nephews and nieces.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, siblings T.J. (Nina), Marlin (Carolyn), Oneda Pearson (John), Ileta Youngblood (Titus), Hazel Kuykendall (George), Dorothy Mooneyhan (B.H.), and Mae Koelz.

The family would like to thank the following for their tremendous support during this time: Dr. David Young and Jackson Heart Staff, St. Dominic 2nd floor Heart Care Staff, Dr. Scott Harrison and staff, and Hospice Ministries.

A celebration service will be held Saturday, November 25th at First Baptist Church in Clinton, MS. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am with service at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:

Global Maritime Ministries; P.O. Box 750787, New Orleans, LA 70175

French Camp Academy; One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at your local Baptist church