Bobby Joe Stafford

June 21, 1943 - July 6, 2020

Funeral services for Bobby Joe Stafford, 77, of the Fairview community of Jackson County, TN, will be held at 2 P.M. on Sunday, July 12, 2020, at Anderson - Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro, TN. Burial will follow in the Stafford Family Cemetery in the Fairview community of Jackson County, TN. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 4 P.M. – 8 P.M., and Sunday from 1 P.M. until time of services. He passed away on Monday, July 6, 2020, at NHC Healthcare in Cookeville, TN with his daughters by his side. He was born June 21, 1943, in Jackson County, TN, to the late Grover Cleveland Stafford and Lella Frances Scott Stafford. He was a retired machinist, and a member of the Woodmen of the World Jackson County Chapter. He was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1966, and proudly served his Country for 2 years. He was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels”. He served 1 tour of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded The Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. After his service in Vietnam, he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he trained ROTC recruits. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1968 with the rank of Sargent. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 sister: Polly Scott; 2 brothers-in-law: Bobby Jones and Luke Scott; and a half-brother: Harlan Stafford. Survivors include 2 Daughters: Joanna Stafford of Allons, TN and Frances Bishop and husband Kevin of Oneida, TN, 1 Brother: James Bruce Stafford and wife Jo Ann of Louisville, KY; 2 Sisters: Edna Jones of Gainesboro, TN, and Marian Jones and husband Vernon of Hermitage, TN; and Grandchildren: Joseph Stafford, Levi Bishop, and William Bishop; also former wife of 37 years, Naeomia Stafford. Special thanks to his friends at NHC Healthcare of Cookeville who provided excellent care and friendship during his multiple visits over the years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veterans Honor Guard or Wounded Warriors Project by contacting the funeral home.