Joel Gafford, 40

November 2, 1984 – May 4, 2025

Joel Clayton Gafford, age 40, of New Albany, Mississippi, passed away on May 4, 2025. Born on November 2, 1984, Joel lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering commitment, and sacrificial love.

Joel was the devoted husband of Lauren Gafford and the proud father of six beautiful children: daughters Madilyn, Macy, Marlee, and Maren, and sons Micah and Mason. He was the beloved son of George and Sandra Gafford, and a loyal brother to Tim (Susan) Gafford, Jeff (Rhonda) Gafford, and Laurie (Phil) Ledbetter. He was a cherished uncle to Emily (Ty) Wheeler, Clayton Ledbetter, Austin Gafford, Kelsey Ledbetter, Molly Gafford, and Jill Gafford.

For 15 seasons, Joel served as head baseball coach at Ripley High School, where he was more than a coach—he was a mentor, father figure, and steady influence on countless lives. He poured himself into each player’s growth, earning deep respect for both his knowledge of the game and the integrity he modeled. Despite the demands of coaching, Joel balanced his role at home with grace, often on little sleep and without complaint. “Excuses are for people who need them,” he often said. At home, he was a present and dependable father; to Lauren, a supportive and loving partner; to friends, a source of quiet wisdom. As he often said, “God is in control, but He didn’t bless you with a shovel for you to just lean on it praying for a hole.” Joel exemplified hard work, humility, and devotion in all he did.

A celebration of Joel’s life will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Bro. Charlie Davis, Bro. Andrew Chesteen and Bro. Whit Lewis will officiate. Burial will be at Glenfield Memorial Gardens. United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements. For online condolences and guest registry, please visit www.unitedfuneralservice.com

Rest easy, Coach Gafford. Your legacy lives on—in your family, your players, your community, and all those who were blessed to know you.

“Eat breakfast. Go Tigers.”

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.