Cecil Stanford

Mr. Cecil Lamar Stanford, 80, of Skene, MS, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, August 18, 2012, at Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility in Ruleville. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, August 20, 2012, at Ray Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at Skene Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Breland officiating. Interment will be in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mr. Stanford was born August 10, 1932 to James Mansfield Stanford and Velma Washington Stanford. On January 16, 1955, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Reeves, at Skene Baptist Church where they were members. He was a passionate farmer who loved his family and dearly cherished his grandchildren. Mr. Stanford was a mentor to many. He took time to be a Boy Scout leader, and drove a church bus every Sunday to make sure the children of the community were able to attend. He inspired many to be the best they could be and his love for life was contagious.
Mr. Lamar is preceded in death by his parents, James Mansfield and Velma Washington Stanford; brothers, C.T. "Buddy" Stanford, James Walter "Skeeter" Stanford; and sister, Cherrie Mae Redden Long.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Reeves of Skene; daughter, Debbie Stanford Christmas (Kenny) of Shelby; grandchildren, Hunter Christmas (Ashley) of Shelby and Tyler Christmas (Maggie) of Merigold; great-grandchild, Nora Claire Christmas of Merigold; sister-in-laws, Mary Burnthorne (Jimmy) of Covington, LA, Claudine Millican of Independence, LA, and Shirley Hewitt of Cleveland; and brother-in-law, James "Bo" Reeves of Michigan City, IN.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Stanford, Mark Redden, Kyle Redden, Keith Hewitt, Rickie Stanford, and Jimmy Sykes. Honorary Pallbearers will be Randy Howarth, Billy Mann, Bennie Woodruff, Jerome Wilkerson, James Robinson, Boyer Britt, Joey Weeks, and Gerald Stanford.
The family would like to send out heartfelt thanks to the staff and Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility for making his time there such a joyous experience. The highlights of his stay there were winning resident of the month and watching the birds.
Memorials in Honor of Mr. Stanford can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and/or Skene Baptist Church.

First Visitation

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Monday, August 20, 2012
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Service Information

11:00 am Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Skene Baptist Church Skene Skene, Mississippi, United States

Interment Information

New Cleveland Cemetery N Bayou Cleveland, Mississippi, United States