William "Bill" Rayford Stanford, age 92, of Leesburg, formerly of Americus, died peacefully Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at Willson Hospice House in Albany. A native of Leslie, he was born December 18, 1926, the son of the late Ishmael Rayford and Lora Livingston Stanford. He had a lifelong successful career in the cold storage warehouse industry. His hobbies were fishing, ballroom dancing and in his later years he had a passion for pigeon racing. He loved his family and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Thursday, February 14, 2019, at 11:00 AM at Leslie City Cemetery with Dr. Bryan Myers officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 13, 2019, from 6:00 until 7:00 PM at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Billy Todd of Dothan, AL, and Lisa and Greg Hancock of Leslie; a son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Angie Stanford of Spring Hill, FL; two sisters, Myrtle Atkins and Loraine Jones both of Plains; a brother, Howard Stanford of Americus; seven grandchildren, Kate Stanford, Laura (Layton) Griffin, Margaret Stanford, Nicki (Dale) Aultman, Gregory Hancock II, Leslie Rumph, Sam Rumph; three great grandchildren, Greyson Aultman, Ella Aultman and Landry Griffin; a special friend and caregiver for the last five years, Darlene Gordon; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving companion of 18 years, Annette Hamilton, a sister, Betty Burger; a sister-in-law, Betty Stanford and a brother-in-law, Jack Jones. Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of these arrangements.