Elmer Stafford

Mr. Elmer Stafford, 92, of Hazel Green, passed away on Thursday evening at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Stafford was born, raised, and died on his family property in the Lickskillet Community of Hazel Green.  In his early years, his family would barter with the local community store using products from their farm - especially butter and eggs.  Community lore holds that this led to the naming of Butter & Egg Road where Mr. Stafford and his family have continued to reside until the present.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy and had served in World War II.  After leaving the service, he worked as a carpenter and then would come home and work on the family farm, working hard at everything he did in order to provide for his family.   He was down-to-earth and dedicated to his work but in recent years, he enjoyed sitting on the front porch to relax.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ray Stafford;  By four brothers: Alton Stafford, W.G. Stafford, Melvin Stafford and Willie Stafford;  By one sister, Flossie Lincoln;  He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ollie & Bell Stafford, by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Viola & Dillon Sparks, by his sister-in-law, Ruby Nell Phillips, and brothers-in-law, Olan Sparks, Nolan Sparks, and Paul Sparks.

Surviving family members include his wife, Pauline Sparks Stafford;  His grandchildren: Kenny Ray Stafford, Russell Dwayne Stafford, Lisa Sparks, and Shannon Thompson;  Seven Great-grandchildren;  2 Great-Great Grandchildren; His Daughter-in-law, Eloise Stafford;  His brothers-in-law, Kenneth Sparks and Leamon Sparks, Clyde Lincoln;  His sisters-in-law, Stella Lewis and Jessie Sparks.

The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6 until 8:30pm at Hazel Green Funeral Home.   Funeral services will be Monday at 1pm at Hazel Green Funeral Home with Bro. Harold Boggs and Bro. Steve Young officiating.  Burial will follow in New Sharon Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be: Danny McMinn, Paul McPeters, Cody McPeters, Dennis Luna, Ricky Stafford, and Brandyn Stafford.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.