ALBANY — William “Bill” Rayford Stanford, age 92, of Leesburg, formerly of Americus, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at Willson Hospice House in Albany. A native of Leslie, he was born Dec. 18, 1926, the son of the late Ishmael Rayford and Lora Livingston Stanford. He had a lifelong successful career in the cold storage warehouse industry. His hobbies were fishing, ballroom dancing and in his later years he had a passion for pigeon racing. He loved his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at Leslie City Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Bryan Myers officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Billy Todd of Dothan, Ala., and Lisa and Greg Hancock of Leslie; a son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Angie Stanford of Spring Hill, Fla.; two sisters, Myrtle Atkins and Loraine Jones, both of Plains; a brother, Howard Stanford of Americus; seven grandchildren, Kate Stanford, Laura (Layton) Griffin, Margaret Stanford, Nicki (Dale) Aultman, Gregory Hancock II, Leslie Rumph, Sam Rumph; three great-grandchildren, Greyson Aultman, Ella Aultman and Landry Griffin; a special friend and caregiver for the last five years, Darlene Gordon; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving companion of 18 years, Annette Hamilton; a sister, Betty Burger; a sister-in-law, Betty Stanford; and a brother-in-law, Jack Jones.

You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com.

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of these arrangements.