Bobby F. Gafford

Bobby F. Gafford, age 73 of Mansfield, TN, died Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at AHC of Paris, TN.

He retired after many years as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service.  He formerly worked at Holly Carburetor in Paris until its closing.  Bobby was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Big Red 1 Recon during the Vietnam War era and was a Purple Heart recipient.  He enjoyed deer hunting, turkey hunting, and loved his garden.

Bobby was born July 30, 1947, in Dover, TN, to the late William Mantha Gafford and Etta Mable Ford Gafford.

He was married May 17, 1974, to Barbara Rowland Gafford, who survives, of Mansfield, TN.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by his daughter, Christina (Ronnie Dale) Burnette of Mansfield, TN; his son, Will (Lisa Lineberry) Gafford of Nashville, TN; and one granddaughter, Addison Burnette.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Anna Marie Nolley; and two brothers, William Perry Gafford and Charlie Reed Gafford.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the funeral service to begin at 11:00 am at LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Chad Kennedy officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Ronnie Dale Burnette, Jimmy Jackson, Tony Allen, Frank Powell, Ricky Holcomb, and Steve Bowers.  Named as honorary pallbearers are Larry Tenley and Mark Edward “Bama” Boutwell.

Burial will be in Mansfield Baptist Church Cemetery in Mansfield, TN.

Memorials may be made to:  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.