Dr. John Walter Stanford

Dr. John Walter Stanford, age 86, of Gainesville, GA passed away peacefully on August 6, 2022.

 He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Trey & Tracy Stanford (Gainesville, GA), granddaughter, McKenzie Stanford (Dunwoody, GA), grandson, Jake Stanford (Peachtree Corners, GA), sister, Suzanne Pike (Warm Springs, GA), nephew, David Pike (Warm Springs, GA), nephew, John Grayson and niece, Leah Grayson (Talking Rock, GA ) and a wealth of friends (Everywhere). He was predeceased by his loving wife, Dorothy Lemon Stanford; sister Ruth Stanford Williams and parents, Mr. & Mrs. John Walter Stanford, Sr.

Born in 1935, Dr. John, Johnny, Moose Mouth, the Captain, Poppy, Dad spent his youth in Toccoa and Warm Springs building and racing soap box derby cars and getting into mischief with many friends he still has today.  The family later moved to Tucker where he attended and graduated Tucker High School.  Following that, he attended Oglethorpe University where he received a degree in Biology and then went to work for Western Electric. During this time, he also served as a sergeant in the United States Army reserve until 1963. His deep love of country made this one of his proudest accomplishments. In 1957, he married his sweetheart, Dorothy Lemon, and embarked on a beautiful life together for 64 years until her death in December 2021. During their early years of marriage, John decided to pursue his passion in the field of dentistry and so attended Emory University School of Dentistry graduating in 1966. Dorothy joked these were lean years with a lot of hot dogs.  In 1964, while still in dental school, John and Dorothy had their only son, Trey. He loved to tell the story of carrying Trey around with the croup while studying for the Boards.  John opened a practice in Decatur where he treated many patients, many of whom became close friends. John also had a servant’s heart.  He did tireless volunteer work for the Salvation Army for many years.  He and Dorothy were devoted members of Clairmont Presbyterian Church.  He was also President of the PTA and Touchdown Club at Lakeside High School where Trey attended.   He retired in 1998 and he and Dorothy moved to their lake home on Lanier full time.  Despite retirement, John continued to share his skills and love of people by providing dentistry to homeless Gainesville residents through Good News at Noon. He did this for 12 years. 

John loved his two grandchildren, Kenzie and Jake.  He never missed a game from the time they began playing sports and was often heard encouraging “Jakey Boy” and “Toot” from the sidelines. John loved nothing more than family and friends and gatherings of all. He loved to travel, read, cook, boat, sail, entertain and was the life of every party.

In 2019, he and Dorothy moved to Lanier Village Estates.  At a time when many slow down, they sped up.  John and Dorothy loved all the friends they made at LVE and were always on the move.  When Dorothy passed away unexpectedly in December 2021, John was embraced by both his friends since childhood and the new friends he had made through the LVE community.  He was never without plans or a meal or support. He loved effusively and was loved in return.  He will be forever missed by his family and the amazing friends he has made through life.  Our hearts are heavy, but we know he is now in the loving arms of our savior.  Cheers dad.  Save us all a seat. We love you.

Celebration of life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, August 13, 2022 at LVE (Lanier Village Estates Chapel). Dr. Bill Coates will officiate.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Good News Clinics, 810 Pine Street, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com