Wade J. Stanford

Wade J. Stanford (Wade Jack) went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday April 15, 2008. He was born July 8, 1924 in Walker County off Old Bedias Road (FM 1696) near Bedias, Texas. Wade is survived by the love of his life, Wife Dorothy (Swearingen) Stanford, one son Lonnie R. Stanford and wife Kathy. Survivors also include Sister Marie Lucus, Grandchildren Lori McBee and husband Bobby, Sheri Pegoda and husband Cliff, Keri Lummus and husband Carl, and Lonnie R. Stanford, Jr. and Mandy Kibby. Wade’s Great-grandchildren; Stephen and Daniel McBee, Alison and Weston Pegoda, Autumn Lumpkin, Jaden Ella, and Carter Stanford, Jordon Lovett, and Jason Odom, and many nieces and nephews. With countless other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother Maurine Heaton Stanford, father Lonnie N. Stanford, brothers Robert C. Stanford, Cliff Stanford and sister Modelle Stanford Layfield. A native of Walker County he attended grade school at Liberty Springs on Bedias Road and Jeff Davis High School in Houston, Texas. He proudly served his country during WWII entering the US Navy in November 1942 serving in the North Atlantic Campaign until May 1943. He then served aboard the Battleship U.S.S. New Jersey as SC1 Gunners Mate in 9 Major operations in the South Pacific. He received his Honorable Discharge in January 1946. Wade worked for Borden Milk Company in Houston Texas for 6 years and then returned to Huntsville to work for United Gas Corp. (Entex) for 35 years where he retired as Sr. Service Tech in 1986. He was ordained a Baptist Deacon at the Phelps Methodist-Baptist Church in July of 1954. He was a member of Huntsville Elks Lodge BPOE #1981 where he served twice as Exalted Ruler and was a Past District Deputy Grand exalted Ruler and received the Huntsville Lodges first Honorary Lifetime Membership in May of 1986. Wade was a avid sportsman loving to hunt quail, doves and deer. The Family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 in the Chapel of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. A celebration of “Wade Jack’s” life will be held at 10:00am Friday April 18th. 2008 at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Kevin Hindmon and Special family member Joe Little, Jr.,officiating. Interment to follow at Black Jack Cemetery. Pallbearers are Cliff Pegoda, Carl Lummus, Tom Wilder, Jimmy Driver, Gary O’Bannon, Glen Denyer, and Ron Stanford Wade’s nephew from North Carolina. Honorary Pallbearers are: CM (Buddy) Acker, Max Williams, Robert Skidmore, Gerald Kirland, Raymond McCarty, Joe Brumley, Richard Cowan, Matt Montgomery, EW Scarborough and Bobby Lumpkin. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Charity of your choice. Services are under the directions of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. Special appreciation to Dr. and Mrs. TC. Cole Jr. for their special loving care. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.

Wade J. Stanford

July 8, 1924 - April 18, 2008