Obituaries

Passed away Saturday, November 24th in Lakeway, Texas with family by his side. Born February 4th, 1946 in Sherman, Texas, the oldest son of the late Billy Frank and Wan Dee Gafford. He is survived by his High School sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Angela Sue (Williams) Gafford, his son William Douglas Gafford, daughter Elizabeth Ann (Gafford) Hawley, brother Ronald Gafford, sister Suzanne (Gafford) Gladen and brother Edward Gafford. He carries with him the love of five grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and countless other family and friends.

A retired Lt. Colonel, he spent 23 years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, serving his country with pride throughout the United States, with assignments in Korea and Germany. He was a high school football athlete and scholar. The recipient of a golf and football scholarship to Southern Methodist University, an undergraduate of The University of Houston and earned a masters degree from Golden Gate University. He was a selfless servant to family and country. After retiring from the Army, he worked for American Airlines in communications and then finished his work life as a realtor for Re/Max in Sherman, Texas. An avid sports fan, he was an accomplished golfer, with an immense love and respect for the game.

His seemingly silent, yet powerful presence was loved by many. A strong man both physically and mentally, always putting others before himself. A Memorial service will be held in his honor at the First United Methodist Church in Sherman, Texas on Friday December 14th at 2:00pm. As an alternative to flowers, his family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).