William H. Stafford, age 80, retired United States Air Force, a resident of Midwest City, OK; formerly of Okmulgee, OK; transitioned, Monday, May 30, 2016, in his home surrounded by family.

William Hillard Stafford was born on September 4, 1935 to Althea Willis and L.C. Stafford in Eufaula, Oklahoma. William, known as Boo Baby, and Bill to his family and close friends was the youngest of three boys, and was raised in Okmulgee, OK surrounded by his grandparents, aunts and his beloved cousins who were more like brothers to him. William attended Bannaker Grade School and then later graduated from Dunbar High School, class of 1954. He was very proud of Dunbar and remained close friends with many of his classmates throughout the years, including his closest friend Charles Turner.

In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, a career decision he took very seriously and thrived in each opportunity presented to him. In June of 1960 he married Freeda Fisher of Nuyaka, Oklahoma. He and Freeda adopted two children, Stefan Hillard and Anyssa LaRae. In 1973 the young family moved to Italy where they were stationed for three years before moving back to the states in 1976. While serving his country, William earned numerous awards and acknowledgements, including his graduation from the Strategic Air Command (SAC) Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCO). He served in the Vietnam War for one year and was grateful to return to his family. He proudly dedicated 22 years to his country before he retired Senior Master Sargent (SMSGT) in 1979, with his final post at McCllellan AFB in Sacramento, CA. In 1984 he moved his family to Midwest City, OK and began his civilian work at Tinker AFB where he made many friends and worked full time for 17 years. After losing his wife Freeda in 2004, William filled his days with his favorite past times - spending time with his grandsons, reading, and playing dominoes. He was also a dedicated member of his church and continued to be active in the church as long as he could.

In November of 2013, he married his second love of his life, Dolores Cathey of Tulsa, OK. They loved to travel together and spend time with family, and remained committed in love until William's passing on Memorial Day, May 30, 2016.

William is survived by his loving wife Dolores, his children Stefan, Anyssa, her husband Ben, Kevin, Joyce, Reynolds (Jimmy), and Steven, four grandsons, William Keith, Thomas Kristopher, Caleb Ryan, and Samuel Gaddis, his four stepchildren, Kevin, Joyce, Jimmy and Steven, their children and grandchildren, and his cousins who he loved so dearly. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews - who knew him as their Uncle Boo.



William was a very kind and loving man. He absolutely loved the Lord, and knew he would one day see his loved ones again. We will miss his smile until then.

A Home Going service is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. in the Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1020 NE 42nd Street, Oklahoma City, OK. Rev. Steven Cathey, son, eulogist. Interment will be Monday, June 6, 2016, 12 noon in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK.

Visitation, Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Precious Memories Chapel-Okmulgee.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home, Okmulgee.