Rex Donald Stanford

Rex D. Stanford, age 91, passed away at home with family at his bedside on September 30, 2023. He was born on March 13, 1932 at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina to William J. Stanford and Marie (McLamb) Stanford. Rex was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Thomas Stanford, and three sisters, Sharon Pitts, Aleta Rigsby, and Julia Ann Stanford.

After graduating from high school in Vernon, AL in 1952, he joined the U.S. Army and served for three years during the Korean War. Later he worked in the newspaper industry (Ft. Meade Leader and Bartow Democrat) and for Kmart. After his retirement, Rex was a greeter at Walmart for 18 years. He was active in his local church as long as his health permitted, and served as a deacon in FBC Ft. Meade, FL and FBC Vernon, AL.

Rex is survived by his wife of 70 years, Willette (Williams) Stanford of Parrish, FL, one son, Don (Susan) Stanford of Tallahassee, FL, two daughters, Barbara (Al) Hall and Janet Stanford of Parrish, FL; five grandchildren, Lynne (Darryl) Mikulec, Matt Stanford, Myles (Nicole) Stanford, Brian (Ashley) Hall, and Will Stanford; nine great grandchildren, Layne, Ryan, Luke, and Elliana Mikulec; Aaron, Elijah, and Montana Stanford; Hadley and Willa Hall.

A memorial service for Rex will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church Palmetto, 1021 5th St. W, Palmetto, Florida 34221. His ashes will be placed at Veterans National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to Tidewell Hospice Foundation, 3550 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.groover-funeral-home.com for the Stanford family.