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Stockford, Gary D.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

SGM Gary Duane Stockford, U. S. Army, 56, of Petersburg, died tragically Tuesday, August 5, 2008 as a result of a motorcycle accident. Born in Hillsdale, MI, he was the son of the late Jesse E. Stockford and Elizabeth McKinney Davis. Gary is survived by his wife, Julie Stockford; children, Jesse Stockford and Brittany Bateman all of Petersburg, Dax Stockford of Florida, and Curtis Stockford of Michigan; grandchildren, Vincent Stockford of Michigan, Tristan Stockford and Bram Stockford both of Florida; brother, Terry Stockford of Alabama; sisters, Judy Blackburn and husband, Paul of Michigan and Jane Arnett and husband, Mark of North Carolina; mother-in-law, Betty Grooms of Arkansas; father-in-law, Stack Bateman also of Arkansas; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, August 7, at the Petersburg Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Friday at the Fort Lee Memorial Chapel. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.


Condolences

I met SGM at the Senior Enlisted Conf. at the PEC in 2005. He had a lasting impression on me and some words of encouragement that I will take with me throughout my career. The last time I saw him was last year Sep. 07 and he was very excited to be retiring and he had expressed a lot of things he wanted to do as we road on the bus together to an offsite we had scheduled for that day. Again giving words of advice and encouragment. When I heard I was TDY in New Orleans, LA. I can't tell you how much he meant to me, but I know it can't compare to what he meant to so many people. He was a light and a joy to be around and he will be missed. God Bless.

Posted by: Porter D. Washington at August 13, 2008 08:45 AM

Dear Julie and family, Im so sorry to hear about the lose of Gary. I have known him since we were little, and was dads best friend forever, good ole Bubba D. He will truly be missed.

Posted by: Michelle (Love) Maxwell at August 10, 2008 05:05 PM

Jesse, I am deeply sorry for you and your family's loss. Please know that I am thinking of you with truly heartfelt Prayers. It's hard to understand, I know. Hold on to your Mom and sister, and let them hold on to you. All will be well again, in time. I Pray for Peace within your home through this terrible time. Thinking of you...and you know Im worried...
Crystal

Posted by: Crystal-Bus 72 at August 8, 2008 10:50 PM

I am so sorry for your loss! Gary was a great man and I really liked him a lot. I only got to spend a little time with him, but I have some great memories! He was a great addition to our family and I will truly miss him. My prayers are with you.

Lisa

Posted by: Lisa Ragle at August 8, 2008 01:55 PM

Our sympathy to all of Gary's family and friends. His untimely death is difficult to understand but until we see him again we can be comforted by fond memeories of his time with us.

Posted by: Mike & Helga Bonneville at August 8, 2008 10:10 AM

Dear Julie,

Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband and our friend. Ou families have known each other for almost 20 years. We have done quite a few things together; from ducking for cover when the Panamanians celebrated New Years with an Uzi, to working together to set up your new home. Gary's and your friendship was always important to us and will never be forgotten. Stay strong for the children and always remember the good times that you shared.

Gary, Just Exhale and Rest; Hope to See You on the Other Side

Schu

Posted by: Jim and Jeanine Schumacher at August 8, 2008 03:30 AM

This is just a tragic shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Julie and your family. I appreciate Gary allowing me to share the apartment while I worked in the northern Virginia area. He will always be remembered as being full of life, having a quick wit and great sense of humor, always supporting the Soldiers and the mission, but mostly supporting his family. He will truly be missed.

Posted by: LTC (R) Seth & Kathy Larmer at August 8, 2008 02:16 AM

Our Condolenses to the family. If you need anything please know that we are here for you, after all Gary was the best man in our wedding. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. We are all truely going to miss him.

Posted by: Sheila and David Moore at August 7, 2008 10:36 PM

Let me express my condolences to the family of SGM Gary Stockford. I have been retired for two years now and still remember the exceptional support Gary gave me while working within the Training Directorate, CASCOM, Ft Lee. Gary was like the many exceptional soldiers who serve and protect our country. "Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Our country has lost a great and honorable warrior. Our brother is now with the Lord. We will see you again one day. Praise the Lord.
God Bless the Stockford family.

Posted by: Dave "birddog" Sturt at August 7, 2008 09:00 PM

My deepest condolences to the Stockford family. We have lost a great man and soldier, I hope this message comfort you in the very painful days to come.

Posted by: Mark R. Adkins at August 7, 2008 04:40 PM

Dear Julie & family,
Kent & I were heart broken to hear of your loss. Kent truely found a friend in Gary,even though I did not know him very well. We both always enjoyed his laughter and sense of humor. He always made others feel good. Gary was a real stand up guy with great integrety and so sincere. We will miss him so much! It has been a blessing to know Gary and will always begreatful for his dedication to his country. Always putting others first. Julie, I know God will wrap His loving arms around you and your family giving you the strength and peace you need. God's love and blessings to you and your family.
Love & prayers,
Elaine & Kent

Posted by: Elaine & Kent at August 7, 2008 02:46 PM

Julie, we are so sorry to hear of the tragic loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids . Mary & Mark

Posted by: Markus& Mary Schumacher at August 7, 2008 02:44 PM

I did not know SGM Stockford, but I still wanted to offer my condolences to all who were blessed to know him and to be a part in his life. I understand how it feels to lose someone special. Take all the time that you need to grieve, it's part of healing. Do not let anyone make you feel uncomfortable about that. Take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering. Keep all of the memories that you shared with him ALIVE in your mind and heart. Laugh about these memories, cry about these memories, but don't let go of them. Yes, your tears may flow for some time, but know this...a day of JOY will soon follow.

Posted by: Kim Eason at August 7, 2008 12:05 PM

Gary was a good man and a great Soldier, he always put the Soldiers needs before his own and that will always be remembered by all. I will keep your family in my prayers and am truly sorry for the loss. May God guide you in your time of need and carry your family pass this difficult time! God Bless!

Posted by: James Hanshew at August 7, 2008 11:59 AM

My sympathy and condolences go out to the family. I have known him for such a very long time, we have served together in several assignments and he has helped me during my carrier in the most trying times and most of all he never gave up on me, for this he has shown me that he was and is a great man that made a great leader. I will keep you and your family in my prayer.

Terry Scales

Posted by: Terry Scales at August 7, 2008 11:40 AM

It is a sad day to loose anyone, but it is especially sad to loose a comrade in arms. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God give you and your family a peace that surpasses all understanding and the strength to move forward in life.

Posted by: Joseph Gangi at August 7, 2008 11:40 AM

My deepest sympathy and condolenses goes out to Gary's family. I worked with Gary at the National Gaurd Bureau while serving on the CLRT Team back in 2004-2006. Gary was a great team player. He made a lot of the team trips more enjoyable being away from family. Their were many a time sitting around just talking about fishing, NASCAR, and family. I know Gary will be missed by many. He was a loving husband and father and a sincere friend. He will be truely missed!

Posted by: Michael Langille at August 7, 2008 11:06 AM

Karen & I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Will miss Gary's sense of humor, his care for Soldiers, and dedication to duty. America is grateful for his service.
God's Blessings Always,

Dan & Karen Dupont

Posted by: SGM Daniel E. Dupont SR. at August 7, 2008 10:17 AM

Our deepest sympathy to all of Gary’s family. We will miss Gary greatly. Gary’s sense of humor, his on-going laughter, and the joy he got out of life will be deeply missed. Gary’s heart and sincerity was bigger then life. The world was a better place because he was in it. He was a friend we will truly miss!

Posted by: Bill and Eileen at August 7, 2008 09:15 AM

My sympathy and condolenses go out to the family. I worked with Gary when he was stationed here at Ft. Lee, VA. Gary was a great Soldier, great friend and we always talked about NASCAR. I enjoyed his conversations. Gary had made NASCAR bird-houses in his past-time and a friend of mine had bought one and it is still displayed on his work-station at work. He will be missed and remembered.

Posted by: Kevin J. McLaughlin at August 7, 2008 08:17 AM

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