Phillip Wayne Stafford, 76, of Sweet Home passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. It is with heavy hearts that we announce his passing, but with full hearts that we recognize and celebrate his incredible journey and the life he lived that we were so fortunately graced with. He was born in Sedalia, Missouri to Virgil J. and Emogene A. (Koehring) Stafford. He moved with his family to Sweet Home in 1951.

He served honorably in the Army from September 1966 to June 1968. He the achieved the rank of a Lieutenant in the weapons infantry long range reconnaissance patrol of 2nd brigade, 4th infantry in Vietnam. He twice earned the Army commendation medals of valor for active combat and received two bronze star medals for active combat heroic activity.

Following his time in the service he planted his roots in Sweet Home and married the love of his life JoLee Schwarz in 1974. Phill worked in the woods with several logging contractors ending at Tack Logging driving truck and running the yarder. He then went into business on his own driving log trucks, lumber trucks and reloading lumber cars. The last ten years Phill ran parts and supervised for the logging side of Stafford Reload.

At a young age, Phill developed a deep love for the outdoors and embraced the wonder of nature, finding joy and excitement in activities such as hunting, fishing, crabbing as well as collecting old cars. He could be found sitting in the shop giving his son, Shane, instructions on repairing cars or pieces of equipment. Alongside Phill, you could often find his favorite hunting buddy, his son, Steven who shared his love for the outdoors.
Beyond his passion for outdoor pursuits, Phill was known in his community to be a deal negotiator, for his remarkable charisma and his generous, kind soul. Phill had a way with people. Old, young, near or far, he had a rare gift for connecting with others, and his generosity, humor and compassion touched the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Whether it was BS’ing at coffee, sharing a laugh or just showing up; being a friend with Phill was truly a blessing. 
He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, JoLee; sons: Shane of Albany; Steven (Amy) of Foster; siblings: Linda (Ron) Moore of Wickenburg, AZ; Lona Conaway of Oregon; Kellie (Tracy) VavRosky of Wilsonville; Lisa (Dean) Shamek of Bend; Stephanie Stafford of Oregon; Stacy Stafford of Sweet Home; granddaughter Piper Pontelandolfo and baby Sophie Stafford due in July; along with many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Terry Stafford, Steve Stafford, Jeff Stafford, Brian Stafford, Breanna Stafford.

Memorial service with military honors will be 2 pm Friday, May 31st at New Life in Christ Fellowship, 1266 44th Ave. Sweet Home. Please join our family in honoring his memory and sharing stories of his remarkable life. A meal will follow the service and all are invited to attend. Private burial took place at Gilliland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Log a Load for Kids send a check ℅ Sweet Home Funeral Chapel, 1443 Long St. Sweet Home, OR 97386. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com.