William "Bill" John Stafford was born on November 29, 1949, in Barstow, California, to Edward and Lila (Spear) Stafford. Bill was the oldest of six children and grew up in a close family shaped by hard work, resilience, and many moves. His father worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, and as a result, Bill and his siblings attended several different schools throughout their childhood.

During Bill's junior year of high school, his father was killed in a farming accident, a loss that deeply affected the family. Bill graduated from high school in Needles, California, the following year. After his graduation, the family moved to Colorado to be closer to Lila's family.

Since many employers were not hiring young men due to the possibility they would be drafted during the Vietnam War, Bill decided to join the military.  The Air Force and Navy didn't have what he was looking for.  Next stop was the Marines, but he spotted the Army office first. Lila had to sign for Bill since he was only 17 at the time.  He turned 18 on his way to Vietnam.  Bill served with the 589th Engineer Battalion as a grader operator.  His job, along with his platoon, was to build and keep the vital roads in the area they were serving open.  He had many memorable experiences while serving, one of which was running over a land mine with his grader.  He made many lifelong friends who were reunited when they started the annual 589th Engineer Battalion reunion.  Many decades later, whenever they were together, they all acted like they were 18 years old again.

After his military service, Bill traveled for a time, including a brief stay in Texas, where he worked for a telephone company. He later wanted to head to Alaska but made a stop in Akron to visit his many relatives on the way. Nearly broke, he planned to spend the summer working for his uncle, Orman Spear, who ran trucks—and that decision shaped the rest of his life. Bill spent the next 55 years behind the wheel. He became an owner-operator early in his career, hauling grain and van freight before settling into flatbed trucking for many years. After leaving over-the-road trucking, he began hauling local grain with his son, Nick. Much of that work was with CHS in northeast Colorado, where he built lasting friendships with CHS employees and the farmers he served.  He had hauled two loads of corn and was pre-loaded for the next morning, the day he passed away.

In 1973, while living in Akron, Bill met the love of his life, Beverly Jean Sweet.  They were married on June 2, 1974, at The First Baptist Church of Akron.  They were blessed with two children: Nickolas John in 1977 and Katherine Jean in 1978.  After living in Akron for a year, Bill and Bev moved to Yuma, Colorado, where they lived for five years before moving back to Akron.  In 1988, Bill and his family moved to their home on the west side of Akron, where Bill and Bev built a lifetime of love and memories. In 2013, Bill's family grew when his son married Jaime, and he became a grandfather to three wonderful grandchildren.

A true lover of the open road, Bill enjoyed traveling by motorcycle and sharing those adventures with family and friends.  His motorcycle journeys took him and Bev across the country, including trips as far West as Washington State and as far East as Maine.  Another highlight of his travels was the four trips to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with Bev, Nick, and many friends.  Along with visiting all 50 states, taking many cruises (the first one for their 25th wedding anniversary), and enjoying resort vacations, these travels brought him great joy and countless stories to share.

He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories that will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.  Bill was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, and the many stories he loved to share.  He had a way of making friends everywhere he went and enjoyed visiting with everyone he encountered.

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beverly Stafford; son, Nick (Jaime) Stafford; daughter, Kat Stafford; three grandchildren: Jordan (Kiara) Herder, Isaiah Herder, and Caitlyn Herder; brothers, Terry Stafford and Lyle Stafford; sisters, Beverly (Rich) Garner and Nancy (Larry) Wagner; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

He is preceded in death by parents, Edward and Lila Stafford; brother Wally Stafford, sisters-in-law, Val Stafford, wife of Terry, and Carol Stafford, wife of Lyle, and niece Amy Wagner.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, at 11:00 a.m. at the Akron Foursquare Church.  Memorial contributions can be made to Akron Foursquare Church or Akron VFW.