Gerald Stanford

Gerald Cecil Stanford passed away at home in Hickory, NC on October 13, 2022 at the age of 76 due to complications from cancer.

Gerald was born on April 22, 1946 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was the oldest son of Cecil Noah Stanford and Lillian Reavis Beck, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in Charlotte then relocated to Newton, Kansas in 1970 where he met and married his beloved wife Elizabeth Sue Hamm Stanford on Oct 2, 1970. They soon moved and settled in North Carolina with their first son Jerry Dwayne Stanford followed a year later by another son, Carl Edwin Stanford.

Gerald worked early on as one of the local exterminators in Western NC. He eventually went into business for himself in home repair and property management. He often enjoyed fishing, watching football, wrestling and journeying to Cherokee, NC.

Gerald was known for entertaining relatives and friends with stories of his adventurous life. He was especially proud of the memories he made meeting and marrying his wife Elizabeth, whom everyone knows as Betty. After hearing several stories, it was obvious to anyone that it was the defining moment of his life.

He was preceded in death by a son, Carl Edwin Stanford, three brothers, Michael Beck, Delma Stanford, Ronald Stanford and a sister, Dale Bostian.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Hamm Stanford. He is also survived by his son Jerry Dwayne Stanford (wife, Michelle) of Washington, NC, two grandchildren, Chess Benjamin of Hildebrand, NC (partner, Jeremiah) and Calliope Stanford of Washington, NC. He is also survived by two brothers, Gary Beck (wife, Sandra) and Bobby Stanford as well as three sisters, Loretta Brannon (husband, Melvin), Linda Ervin and Helen Sowell (husband, Freddie) along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 3pm at Blue Ridge Memorial Park (Twilight section) in Lenoir, NC.