Stafford, 91 Smyrna - William Alan Stafford , of Smyrna, DE, formerly of Staten Island, NY passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2014 at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, DE. He was born September 11, 1922 in Fisk, Alabama, the son of the late Arthur and Laura Miranda Stafford. Mr. Stafford served his country in the US Army with distinguished honors, earning the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star during WWII at the Battle of the Bulge. Alan retired after many years of work as a Machinist at Dover Air Force Base, where he became the Head of the Machine Shop. He enjoyed tinkering with machinery in his workshop. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Annie, Kat and Mauvreen; and his brothers, Junior, Orville and Kenneth. He is survived by his wife, Beatrice; his son William; his daughter, Laura; four grandchildren, Lauren, Angela, Lena and Stafford; one great grandchild, Blythe; his beloved sister, Nell Stafford; and many extended family members in Alabama, Tennessee and New York. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 5 pm in the Faries Funeral Chapel, located at 29 S. Main St. in Smyrna. Funeral services will begin at 6 pm. Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 10 am in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE. Memorial services will also be held on Thursday, July 3, 2014 from 4-9pm at the American Legion Post 14, located at 107 E. Glenwood Ave. in Smyrna. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Delaware Veterans Home, 100 Delaware Veterans Blvd., Milford, DE 19963. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.