Fallen Hero: Retired Staff Sergeant Alex Stanford, Jr.

Byram, MS

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Funeral Home

Lakewood Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Airman and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on January 13, 2026 and has moved on to his heavenly home.  Retired Staff Sergeant Alex Stanford Jr., age 75, who had served within the MSANG within the 172d Combat Engineer Squadron (CES), 172d Airlift Wing and previously served both in the Marines and MSARNG has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Airman.  We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Airman has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Airman for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:

Alex Stanford Jr., age 75, of Byram, Mississippi, passed away on January 13, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on March 4, 1950, Alex lived a life rooted in service, loyalty, and love.

Alex proudly served his country in multiple military branches. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from July 1969 to May 1971, continued his service in the Army National Guard from October 1982 to May 1990, and completed his military career with the 172nd Civil Engineer Squadron of the United States Air Force from January 2000 to March 2010. His long and dedicated service stands as a testament to his honor and commitment.

Outside of military life, Alex spent many of his happiest years with a pool cue in hand. He played in numerous leagues and tournaments, made close friendships, and collected memories he cherished throughout the years.

Though Parkinson’s disease slowed his ability to play in recent years, Alex never lost his love for the game. Even as his health declined, the pool hall remained a place of joy, friendship, and laughter.

In his final days, he found the strength and determination to attend a tournament — a testament to the passion that carried him all his life. He left this world surrounded by the sport and community he cherished most.

Alex loved the Lord, and his family takes comfort knowing that upon his passing, he entered peace, healing, and the presence of his Savior. The struggles of this life are behind him, and he now rests in the promise of eternal life in Christ.

Alex is survived by his devoted wife Linda Stanford;

Son, Tony (wife Sherri), children: Brooke (Jacob Yarbrough), Mary Grace, Jordynne, Rori, Tabitha; and great-grandchildren: Lani and Fen;

Daughter, Melody (husband Richard Donald), children: Hana (Colton Delaney), Conner Donald; and great-grandchildren: Adaline, Willow, and Nolan;

Son, Christopher (wife Ashley), children: Scarlette and Korra.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah (Phillips), and father, A.D. Stanford Sr., and his siblings, Roger Taylor, Tommy Stanford, Mark Stanford, Rusty Phillips, and Diane Stanford.

Alex’s legacy will be carried forward by his family, his friends, and everyone who shared a laugh, a story, or a game with him. He will be deeply missed — yet joyfully remembered — until we meet again.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Marchant, Josh Reeves, Colton Delaney, Conner Donald, and Richard Donald.

A visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, located at 6011 Clinton Blvd, on January 19, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place at the same venue, beginning at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.