John Wilford Obituary

In rememberance of Coach Wilford I say to the Wilford family "trust in God; He will take care of you." My prayers will be with you all. Continue to cherish all the fond memories shared together.

To my dear church sister. I was sadden when I learned of the passing of your husband,Coach Wilford. I refer to him always as "Coach Wilford." Even when he became Trustee Wilford I still called him Coach Wilford. He gave my childen during their attendance at Burke High championship style basketball. He brought distinction and class. They would never miss a game, be it home or away. Even if I had to drive 100 miles to make sure they were in the stands supporting their team. He enstilled school spirit and pride within them. I am very grateful for his example. He was always a quiet,but very gifted leader. I trust that his legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he encouraged during his journey here with us. May you reflect upon his memories and the precious moments shared together until you meet again in heaven- the sweet by and by. Your Sister in Christ
Lucille P.Rogers and children Sandra, Marvin and Noy.

To the Wilford Family,
May God continue to give you the comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Mr. Wilford was our guidance counselor at Baptist Hill High in Hollywood, SC. He was a great man who possessed wisdom and was dedicated to his work. I saw him months ago and he was the same sweet and humble person that I remembered in school. Be blessed and know that God knows best. Baptist Hill High Class of 1998

Dear Gloria,
You have my deepest expression of sympathy in the passing of "Brother" Johnny. A gentle soul of such integrity who'll be sorely missed by so many.

Let us continue to send "prasies up so blessings may come down." I'll continue to pray for the family.

Sisterly,

may god be with you during this time of need. thank you mr. wilford for everything you have done for me at baptist hill class of 1997. rest in pease.

I am so sad at the news of the passing of the man who truly touched and changed my life. He really helped me achieve my goals and helped me to become a man. May God bless your soul and Rest in Peace Coach Wilford. I LOVE you man. Wilson High School class of 1988.

May it comfort you to know that warm thoughts of sympathy are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. Remember that Jesus said "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." A wonderful promise to know he is in a better place.
He was an inspiration, coach and mentor for my two sons, Patrick and Roderick during their high school days at Wilson High in Florence,SC of which I will always be grateful.

May God Bless you

We are saddened at the loss of Wilford. May God give you the strength needed during your time of bereavement.

Mrs. Wilford and Family,

It saddened my heart to have heard about the passing of your husband Mr. John Wilford. He was an inspiration to all. May the grace of God be with you and the family through this hard time. Weaping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the Morning!

Love You,
Amber

To Coach Wilford's Family;

Coach Wilford gave me an opportunity to try out and make the Basketgall team during my Junior and Senior years at Burke High School. Coach Wilford's work ethic of hard work and teamwork help me be successful on the court and accomplish many goals in my life.

Coach Wilford will sadly be missed.

May god comfort and continue to bless your family.

Having talked and interacted with Johnny just recently at our 45th class reunion, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Also, while visiting the University bookstore, Johnny and I exchanged pleasantries about buying T-shirts. My sincere sympathy and condolences go to you, Mrs. Wilford, your children and family. I keep you in my thoughts and prayers I hope memories of Johnny sustain you now and in years to come.

Bobbie L. Robinson, East Orange, NJ

Mrs Wilford, I'm deeply sadden on the lost of your husband, he has been an inspiration to myself and many other along the way. I will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Mrs. Wilford, please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Coach Wilford was a friend and mentor to my son, Jamie Lawrence,at Wilson High School in Florence, SC. He would always bring his pants to my mother to hem, and he enjoyed her potato pie.
Mrs. Wilford, I pray that God will wrap you in His loving arms and give you the peace and comfort that only He can give.
Peggy B. Lawrence
Columbia, SC

Dear Gloria,
Jesus knew that times of grief would come to everyone, yet those who mourn he named among the blessed, for God is always with us, and his love that never ends will comfort you. From eternity past to eternity future... God is.
May this truth bring His perfect peace to you with comfort during this time of
sorrow.

With Sympathy,
Azie Guice, Newark New Jersey

To the Wilford Family

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this momentous occasion. I know he is in a better place celebrating at the right hand of the Lord.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Gloria and Family,

We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Coach Wilford. He did a lot for many of the athletes at Burke and to the many others he taught both in and out of the classroom. He will be sorely missed.

May God comfort and keep you during these very difficult times.

To the Wilford Family,

Sorry to hear about your lost. Coach Wilford was my teacher from Mitchell to Burke High School and a great friend and mentor. I will truly miss him. My sympathy to his wife and kids, may god be with you and bless you.

To The Wilford Family
May God continue to be with you during this time. Our Sympathy and Prayers are with you.
Helen "Gerri" Townsend-Murray and Family

To The Wilford Family,
When I got the call that Coach had passed on it really threw me for a lost. Coach Wilford was truly and inspiration to me and also a good friend. He gave me a chance to play basketball at Burke when others thought that I could not do it, I always thatnked him for that opportunity. He made my time at Burke very comfortable and enjoyable. Both Myself and my brother Marvin played for him and gained a lot of knowledge, not just in athletics but also in life. I love to go to this scripture when things just don't seem right for me " but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strenght" They will soar on the wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. this reminds me of my COACH John Wilford.
May the grace of God be with you and your family in this time. Blessings to all of you.
Jay K. Fields

I was sadden when i heard about this from Denise. I knew him through his wife Gloria [my friend]. He was good man. My sincerest condolences to Wilford family.

To The Wilford Family

You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.

To Mrs. Wilford and Family

I send my condolences to you and your family at your time of bereavement. May you contine to find strength in the Lord knowing that he is in a better place.

To the Wilford family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. Mr. Wilford was my guidance counselor at Baptist Hill High school (c/o 98). I remember him so well because he inspired me with the difficult situation I had at that time. He encouraged me to continue to press forward. I will never forget Mr. Wilford. I was recently looking at our class year book and drift across his picture and said we should invite him to our reunion. I'm sorry that now his physical body will not be there, but his spirit will be happy to see how far many of our classmates have come.
May God Bless
Daphne Singleton-Fludd

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

John and I were friends for 43 years. He, my wife, Daisy Doctor Stephens, and I were 1964 graduates of SC State and just two weeks ago celebrated 45 years since graduation - We laughingly planned to be present for the 50th. We are very sorrowful for your great and untimely loss. John was not the typical "jock". He was so gentle and mild mannered. We interacted over the years - last when I did work for SDE at Baptist Hill and he was working there. We celebrate his life with you, and we pray for you in this time of grief.

To the family,
My deepest sympathy is extended on the passing of your loved one. I will keep you in my prayers during this time of bereavement.

May the comfort and understandig of others
help you through your sorrow. And time and cherished memories give you strength through each new tomorrows. Keeping you and your family in our prayers.

To the family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

TO The Wilford Family,I had the chance to have Coach Wilford teach me about the finer point of playing football at Burke High School. I can remember how easy it was to do the things he ask of you he was a good hearted man.My prayers go out to you. May your faith carry you through this sad time.

Sorry to hear of John's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

JD & Barbara Haynes

I had the opportunity to play for Coach Wilford at Wilson High School. He was a good man who taught me many life lessons that I still lean on today. My prayers go out to his family.

My sincerest condolences goes to the Wilford Family. I was saddened when I heard about this but I know that he is in better hands now. He wont put more on you than you can bare. God bless you all. Coach Wilford as we called him while playing basketball under his supervision was a well liked coach. He was also a very smart and knowleable coach. He took our 1976 team to the state championship where we were victorious! Thanks for that and rest in peace. Henry "Valo" Frasier Class of 76.

May the memories of your love one remain forever in your hearts.

Zeddie DeLee Boyd, Class of '64

We had a really great time with Johnny at the SCSU class of 64's 45th reunion the previous weekend. Upon learning of his death, I received calls and emails from classmates saying what a shock this was. Many of them spoke of wonderful conversation with him at the reunion. He made a special effort with me to count his financial donation for the class reunion. He was special. I know you all will miss him and so will we.

May the Lord keep you and the family safe and sound and in his care.

Elester Townsend,
President of SCSU Class of 1964
[email protected]

Soror Gloria,

Please know that I care and will always be here for you. May happy memories and spiritual assurance sustain and strengthen you during this most difficult time.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

May God's hand hold you, lead and guide you into your days ahead, Mrs. Gloria. May it comfort you to know that God is always there with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God is our greatest comfort! Lean on Him.
Coach Wilford was such an inspiration!
Dana Price Richardson and the Price Family

To the family of my teacher and friend, Coach Wilford.... I have so many great memories of Coach Wilford as I was in his homeroon class @ BHS in 1974. I am praying for you all as I can assure you that God will provide all that you need...just call on Him. Joshua 1:9 "...I'll be with you wherever you may go." Grace and Peace~

In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. Pslam 120
Gloria I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Annette & Meggan DeVeaux

May the memories you and your family have shared lessen your sorrow.

Anna Brooks, Class of '64.

May the peace of God that passes all understanding, be with you now and always. Coach Wilford inspired us all at W. Gresham Meggett to devise a strategy and "play to win". Thank you for the inspiration and the memories.

To Gloria and family,

We are so sorry for your loss. May God's peace be with you during this time of saddness.
Love,
The Blake Family

Time has away of soothing us
and lightening our sorrows,
Time has a way of helping us
and brightening our tommorows,
And those who are concerned for you,
and how you must be feeling,
Are hoping you'll remeber
that time has a way of healing.

I am so thankful that I got to know Mr.Wilford. He was more than a coach, teacher, counselor; He inspired so many including myself. I will never forget the things that he taught me and his encouraging words and when he said to me "Hey Kid" How you doing?" He meant so much to me. It is really hard for me to see him leave but this is not for us to figure out. There is meaning and purpose in every new life and death. I wish so much strength to you Ms. Gloria and our embrace yesterday meant so much to me because I really understand your pain. I promise I will keep in touch and will not let his spirit die. GRACE AND PEACE

May 20,2009

Gloria,

May you find peace and understanding through your Lord and Savior, during your time of sorrow. My throughts are with you and your family.

Hazel (Simmons) Smalls,
Charleston, South Carolina

TO THE WILFORD FAMILY
COACH WILFORD WAS A VERY KIND AND FUNNY PERSON HE ALWAYS MADE ME LAUGH I ATTENDED BURKE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1981 I AM VERY HAPPY TO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW HIM MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONY ONE YOU, MY DEEPEST SYMPHATHY.

Will miss you, Cassius.

Coach Wilford ......you were a great coach and teacher in your time,may God continue to Bless your family now and after these sad times...."REST IN PEACE".

TO the Family of Coach Wilford, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Coach Wilford was my 9th grade Physical Education Teacher at Burke High School. He was very kind and always encouraging us as students to strive hard. "Coach "will truly be missed. Family Know that God only takes his best. Stay strong May God bless you all. Class of 1988 Burke High School Mighty Bulldogs!!!

Gloria,
May God give you the peace of mind that He has given us. May the love of family keep you and our prayers are with you, always.

Gloria,
The family in Ky always looked forward to you and John coming to visit. He seemed to have the happiness and contentment in life a happy home brings.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We loved him dearly.
The Wharton-Martin Family

Coach I will miss you!! You taught me a lot about life and basketball. It was great to have you as my coach and also have an opportunity to coach with you at Baptist Hill.

Ms. Gloria and Family

May God Be with you all in this time. Trust in him he will bring you through. Stay Strong and God Bless.

May God continue to bless and keep you during your difficult time.

Lynette T. Smith-Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Class of 1964-South Carolina State University

Gloria:

I wish for you the warmth of the loving care of God as you go through this long period of adjustment. God is Life, which never dies, and God is Love - eternal, changeless and unchanging. Since we are all made in God's image and likeness, everything that God is, we are. There-fore, be assured that John is in the presence of God, with a peace that surpasses all understanding in that realm.

"Though his soul may set darkness, it will rise in Perfect Light. John loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." There is no darkness, only the absence of Light. Bless him as he goes into that darkness with the Light of his Consciousness to illuminate the way.

Sorry to hear about your loss, my prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to you during these difficult time.

Gloria,
My wish for you is that the wonderful memories of time shared with John will bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time and in the future. You are wrapped in prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Gloria and family: We are confident,I say,
and willing rather to be absent from the
body ,and to be present with Lord.You have ours deepest love and sympathy.


Bro.Walker D.and Darlene Green

To Mrs. Gloria Wilford & Family

Please accept my sincere and heartfelt sympathy on the death of your loved one and my 1964 SCSU classmate. We
will miss him, especially since he was just at the gathering of our 45th Class Reunion.

I will continue to pray for you and your family.

To Gloria And Family
Iam sorry to hear about John my prayers and thoughts are with yoi and the family you have my deepest sympathy be Bless

Juanita and Jacquez

To Coach Wilford's Family:
May the Peace of God be with you as you pass through this painful time. Our prayers are with you each second of the day and night.
Put your hands in God's hand and he will lead you and guide you through.
Sincerely,
Lena C. English and Family (Family of the Late Coach Walter English,Sr: Wilson High School: Florence SC)

Dear Coach,
Thank you for your being a positive influence. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

When my husband said, "Coach", I knew who he was referring to. Coach Wilford was his mentor from the early 80's. He also became a neighbor and would occasionally stop by during his walks. We took comfort in knowing he was just around the corner. His presence will be missed. Gone but never forgotten. Our deepest sympathy to his wife, Mrs. Wilford. We will keep his family in our prayers.

In Everything we do, we must give THANKS. So thank God for all of the precious memories that you have. You and your family are in my prayers.

Gloria, It is hard to understand why those we love are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing that Wilford rests in the arms of Jesus. May your faith carry you through this sorrowful time.

July,1942 - May, 2009. You have run a great race. Your "dash" will be remembered.

Gloria and family: Weeping May Endure for a night, but remember all of the blessed times that you had together. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. Always know that joy cometh in the morning.

Coach Wilford was my teacher at Burke High
and later on became a good friend. My sympathy to his wife Gloria and his family.