William "Bill" Gifford

Left Formation October 8, 2008

William O. Gifford, age 86, passed away on October 8, 2008. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Gloria Stow Gifford, and his four sisters. Mr. Gifford was born in College Park, Georgia, and graduated from Georgia Tech.

He served in the 8th Air Force during World War II and was shot down behind enemy lines in 1944; he was hidden by the Belgian Underground and stayed in touch through the years with the loving Didier family who sheltered him.

Mr. Gifford owned Gifford Color Lab, which he founded in 1954. He spent his last days at Brighton Gardens in Dunwoody. He was an avid stamp collector, baseball fan, and raconteur.

"Bill" is survived by daughters Pamela Gifford and Judith Slavinski and her husband Bob; by grandchildren Melanie Martin, Matthew Martin, and Denise Slavinski; and by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. No services are planned. In lieu of owers, contributions may be sent to The Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum, 175 Bourne Ave, Pooler, GA 31322, (912) 748-8888. Arrangements by Cremation Society of the SOUTH in Marietta 770-420-5557.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (GA) - Friday, October 10, 2008