Stafford, William D.
Dr. William D. (Doc) Stafford, 78 of Narrows, passed away Friday, October 24th, 2014 at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery in Blacksburg. He was born in Rocky Gap, Virginia on July 17th, 1936, and was the son of the late Ralph Porter and Celestia Conley Stafford.
In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by a stepmother, Aulena Hankins Stafford; a sister, Mary Emma King; a son-in-law, Jacob Ray Roe; and a daughter-in-law, Terry Taylor Stafford.
Two of his most prized accomplishments include having read every book in the Bland County Library, as well as being the winner of the Virginia State FFA Farmer’s Degree while a senior in high school. A 1952 graduate of Narrows High School, he was a graduate of Virginia Tech, and one out of seven Virginia residents to be accepted to the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine as a junior. He was a member of Alpha Psi Veterinary Fraternity and was also an honorary member of the Chemistry Society at the University of Georgia. A former owner of the Blacksburg Animal Clinic, Doc was a member of the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, a lifetime member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a former vice-president of the Blacksburg Jaycees, and a longtime supporter of the Blacksburg High School Indians. After attending both schools, he continued his love and support for the athletic programs at Virginia Tech and the University of Georgia. He operated Stafford Animal Clinic in Giles County.
He loved participating in baseball and softball, playing in the Mountain View Baseball League for Narrows, Newport, McCoy and Prices Fork. He played for the seven-time state softball champions sponsored by Harvey’s Chevrolet in Radford.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 61 years, Sandra (Sonnie) Dunford Stafford; a son, William David (Little Doc) Stafford, Jr. of Pulaski; two daughters, Katrina S. White and husband Steve of Salem, Dianne S. Roe of Ripplemead; four grandchildren, Bart Stafford, Nathan White, Lindsey Drum and husband Kevin, Jacob Ethan Roe; a brother, Ronald A. Stafford and wife Susan of Narrows; a sister, Carol Swiader and husband Bob of Virginia Beach; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends, including his special pets, Shadow, Lucy, Sis, Beauty, and favorite pug, Charles.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Allan Sklar, Dr. Mullins, the nurses and doctors on the 2nd floor ICU at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery for the care given.
At Dr. Stafford’s request, he was cremated. The family will receive friends at Riverview Baptist Church in Ripplemead Sunday, October 26th, 2014 from 2 to 4 PM, followed by a memorial service at 4 PM with Pastor Shahn Wilburn officiating. The family requests that those sending memorial contributions please consider Giles Animal Rescue; P.O. Box 354; Pearisburg, Virginia 24134, or the American Diabetes Association; 1701 North Beauregard Street; Alexandria, Virginia 22311. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.