John David Stanford, 76, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Monday, October 10, 2022, at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
John was born on September 12, 1946, in Centralia, Illinois to the late William Thomas “Dutch” Stanford and Melba Hager Stanford. Along with his parents, John is reunited in passing with his brothers, Wayne & Bud Stanford. Left to cherish John’s memory are his adoring wife of over 51 years, Donna Green Stanford of Surfside Beach; their sons, Shane Stanford and wife, Anamaria of Seattle, WA & Matthew Stanford and wife, Ashley of Salem, IL; grandchildren, Paisley Faith, Piper LaDonne, and Paxton Clyde Stanford; as well as sister-in-law Gwyn Stanford and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
John graduated from Georgetown College in 1969 and was a member of the President’s House Association. A lifelong learner and educator, John graduated from management school in 1970 and received a Master of Business from Webster College in 1988. He was a board member of the Georgetown College associates and taught part-time at both Wingate University and Horry Georgetown Technical College.
While living in Salem, IL, John was a trustee of Kaskaskia College, he sat on the Community State Bank Board and was active in various missions. John owned Bettendorf Stanford Inc. for over 50 years, creating, designing, and manufacturing equipment for the bakery industry. John relished inventing and solving problems which he did as a manufacturer. John was a member of the American Society of Bakers for over 50 years.
John gave his time to multiple Christian organizations throughout his life. He was a board member of the Carolina Christian Academy at Pawleys Island Community Church where he also served on the missions committee. He was a deacon at Garden City Baptist Church. Currently, John was a member of Pawleys Island Community Church and a board member of Garden City Chapel.
Since 1983, One of the biggest pleasures of his life was helping Hawaii Baptist Academy, a Christian Mission-focused school, as part of their Mainland Advisory Council. He was chairman of the council twice over the years finding joy in serving with them.
In his free time, John enjoyed traveling the world and making memories with family and friends. Above all else, John relished the time spent watching his grandchildren grow.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 11:00 with visitation at 10:00 at the First Baptist Church of Salem,721 W Main St, Salem, IL 62881.
Donations in John’s name may be made to Hawaii Baptist Academy, 420 Wyllie St., Honolulu, HI 96817 or at, https://www.hba.net/giving/givetohba
To view these details online or to offer condolences through the online guestbook, kindly visit, www.burroughsfh.com
Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet (843.651.1440) is in charge of arrangements.
