Obituary of Edward Daniel Gafford

Edward Daniel ‘Dan’ Gafford, son of Slayton Leon and Annie Louise Gafford, peacefully entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at the age of 70. He was born on May 23, 1952, in Nashville, Tennessee. He is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Jin; his son, Jonathan (Hannah) Gafford; his daughter, Hannah (Bradford) Gafford; his brother, James Gafford; his sister, Carolyn (Hugh) Williams; his sister, Sherrie (Rick) Tibbetts; his brother, Paul (Young) Hensley; his brother, Doug (Uyoung) Skroback; and his nieces & nephews, Harold Anderson, Jennifer Anderson, Karen Warshaw, Stacy Barnett, and Mel Davenport.

Edward Gafford was a proud serviceman in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged, but continued his service to the military and their families. Edward Gafford worked for the American Red Cross, eventually becoming the Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) Supervisor. He was the liaison between families and their loved ones serving during family emergencies, such as injury, death, and childbirth. He helped thousands of military families during some of the hardest moments of their lives.

He retired from the American Red Cross and took his time of retirement to rekindle his love of many hobbies. He was an incredible clock smith, he was never too tired or busy to go fishing with his buddies, he was an excellent woodcraftsman, he savored time with his loving wife, Jin, and enjoyed taking care of his right-hand-dog, Ozzie. Edward Gafford had a love for life, his motto being, ‘This too shall pass,’ living his life with no obstacle being too large for him. No matter what was needed from him—work, family, or country—his answer was always a resounding, ‘Yes indeed,’ ready for any and everything.

The family invites you to join them in the celebration of Edward Gafford's life on Monday, February 6, 2023. There will be a memorial service at the Korean Methodist Church of Columbia, located at 112 Snow Road, Columbia, SC 29223, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. We will then travel to Fort Jackson National Cemetery, located at 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229, for a burial service from 3:00pm to 3:30pm. The family will then be hosting a meal at Magnolias Buffet, located at 10052 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29229, at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in the name of Edward Gafford, to the American Red Cross, at redcross.org/donate

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.