John Wesley Stafford

John Wesley Stafford, age 61, resident of Cleveland, TN, went home to be the Lord on Sunday, March 2, 2008. He passed away in a local hospital with his loving family by his side. He was of the Baptist faith. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and served his country in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of East Tennessee, life member of the V. F. W. and the Disabled American Veterans. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Lee and Katherine Elizabeth Stafford.

He is survived by three beloved sisters, Ruth Lingerfelt, Cleveland, Linda Morgan and husband, Marlin "Buddy", Charleston, TN and Kaye McNabb and husband, Earl "Kiaser", Chattanooga, TN; three aunts, Betty Cannon and Mattie Armour Gibson both of Cleveland and Gussie "Mickey" Tinsley, Florida. Several very special nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 6, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. with Brother Ricky Kesley officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Military Honors and a "Trinity Dove Release" Ceremony. Pallbearers will be Dennis Armour, Robby Shelton, Keith Lingerfelt, Sydney Van Lewis, Corey Lewis and Jack Armour. Honorary pallbearers will be Trevor Lee Lewis, Dale Payne, Chris Morgan, Sydney Lewis, Jr, Marty Parris, Patrick Morgan, Jonathan Morgan and CWO3 Darrin Scott Ingram, who is presently serving in Iraq.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 5, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Grissom Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net