L. W. "Low Water" Stafford

June 21, 1925 - November 13, 2010

LW Stafford, 85, of Panama City, passed away quietly at his home Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, of natural causes.
LW was born on June 21, 1925 in Westville, Florida where he attended school until the age of 14. The family later moved to Sweet Gum Head, which according to his description was "as big as New York City, it's just not developed yet." There he worked on the family farm with his father and brothers. In 1941, he joined the US Navy and was stationed in Key West, FL. After WWII he drove transport trucks for Maxwell Truck Lines in Dothan, Ala. It was in Dothan that he met Lillian Vickers on a blind date. They were soon married and moved to Montgomery, Ala. Lillian had relatives living in the Panama City area and after several visits they decided to move here in 1949. LW was driving for Gulf Oil when he decided he wanted to go into business for himself. He operated 7 Points Gulf Station at the intersection of Hwy 231, Hwy 98 and Airport Road. It was at this time that he, Donnell Brookins and Louie Weaver began broadcasting "The Daybusters Show" on the local TV/radio station. Ray Holloway was also involved in this endeavor. LW was an active member of the Lions Club and was instrumental in starting the International Gopher Races. In 1969, he opened Stafford's Outdoor Power Equipment. During the slow winter months, LW started installing underground sprinkler systems. It was this venture that he enjoyed the most. He sold the lawn mower business in 1987 and concentrated on golf course irrigation systems. In 1990, he became a consultant with Whaley Construction and helped form an irrigation division which was involved with the construction and renovation of over 65 golf course systems in the southeast. Many of the innovations he implemented are still being used in the industry today. After retiring at the age of 73, he, Lillian and the grandchildren began trying to lower the bream population of the local river systems 10 to 15 fish at a time.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lillian Vickers Stafford; his brothers, Carroll Stafford, Rex Stafford, Ray Stafford, and Ben Stafford. He is survived by his son, George L. Stafford (Lee Ann) of Panama City; "Poppa" will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Kelly Lee and Jake Stafford. Other beloved surviving family members include brothers, George (Kara) Stafford, Mitchell (Daphene) Stafford and sister, Sybil (Stafford) Sellers; In-laws, Julia (Vickers) and Jack Hagler, Tom and Imogene Vickers and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
The family extends special thanks to the staff of Emerald Coast Hospice for the exceptional care and concern they demonstrated during our time of need. We would also like to thank Dr. Scott Dean and his staff for many years of service beyond their scope of duty.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010, at Wilson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, Goodwill Industries, or the Charity of your choice, in memory of LW Stafford.

Wilson Funeral Home