Mr. Clifford “Wayne” Stapleton, age 76, of Lumber City, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah.

He was born on December 24, 1949, in Hazlehurst to the late Emmett and Ezelle Stapleton. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during the Vietnam conflict on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. He spent many years in construction and then became a truck driver. He enjoyed riding horses when he was younger and when he couldn’t ride anymore, he enjoyed watching his horses. He loved reading and watching old westerns. He also loved to tease people and try to make them laugh.

In addition to his parents, Wayne is preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Stuhlman.

Wayne is survived by his daughter, Connie Stuhlman; his son, Emmett Stapleton; his grandchildren, Matthew Stuhlman, Jordyn Stapleton, Emma Stapleton, & Blake Stapleton; his sisters, Jackie Bryan and Wanda Gregory; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Fishing Creek Cemetery in Lumber City.

Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home and the Stapleton family are in charge of arrangements.