Dedicated to Friends, Past and Present
Malvin Ronald "Ron" Stanfield of Ellijay, Georgia passed away at Grady Hospital on July 22, 2026 at the age of 87. He was surrounded by his niece, Annette Dalton, nephew, Everett Stanfield Jr., and his nephew's wife, Tammy Stanfield, as he went to be with our Father and loved ones in heaven.
Born on December 12, 1938 at Grady Hospital, he was the son of Fred Estel and Amy Jeanette Smith Stanfield of Fairburn, Georgia. He was the second to the youngest of seven brothers and sisters.
He was a 1957 Campbell High School graduate in Fairburn, Georgia. He told stories of how his love of golf began during high school when he worked concessions with his brother and was a caddy at the North Fulton Golf Course.
After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 11/30/1957. He proudly served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga. His last duty assignment onboard the Saratoga was the VA-35 Blackpanther squadron where he was a communications liaison. He also served in the Navy reserves. While stationed in Florida, he met the love of his life, his beloved Delores. He lovingly referred to her as his "Florida girl". Once honorably discharged from the Navy in December 1959, he got a job at Southern Airways and they married in January 1960.
After serving in the Navy, he began his aviation career with Southern Airways as a cargo loader on DC-3s. He also worked ticket sales and was promoted to SATO Manager at Ft. McClellan for Southern Airways. After Southern Airways merged with Republic/Northwest Airlines, he was promoted to SATO Manager Government Sales. He had a long and successful career with Northwest Airlines. After his retirement, Uncle Ron and Aunt Dee moved to Sebastian, Florida.
As an airline employee, he loved to travel across the U.S. as well as internationally with Aunt Dee. He was an avid golfer and also enjoyed hiking and camping. They also loved taking cruises. As a pastime during retirement, they enjoyed hunting and selling antiques. He also served as an ordained Deacon in Florida. Uncle Ron and Aunt Dee relocated from Florida to Ellijay, Georgia where they lived out their remaining years. He lovingly cared for Aunt Dee during her final years. After her passing, his dog, O'Reilly, became a constant companion.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Delores "Dee" Laverne Stanfield, parents Fred and Janette Stanfield, and siblings Alford Stanfield, LeRoy Stanfield, Everett P. Stanfield, Sr., Flora Gentry, and Maureen Payne. He is survived by his brother Hulan Stanfield and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on July 27, 2026 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Parrott's Funeral Home in Fairburn, Georgia. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate the life of Mr. Stanfield with Rev. Jerry Cross officiating. His interment will follow the service at Holly Hill Memorial Park in Fairburn, Georgia.
Thank you to the staff at Christian City for caring for "Uncle Ron" during his brief stay this summer and Grady Hospital for their compassion during his transition.
In lieu of flowers, we welcome a donation in his memory to the Gideons. He would have loved to see Gideons donate bibles to residents at local assisted living homes.
Obituary
Malvin Ronald "Ron" Stanfield
December 12, 1938 - July 22, 2026