Mr. Richard D. "Big Man" Danford, 79, of 755 Epps Bridge Pkwy, Athens, formerly of Hartwell, died Sunday, May 29 at his home.

Born on August 7, 1931 in Whiteville NC, he was the son of the late James T. Danford and Gladys Blake Danford.He was retired from Roadway Express, where he was the District 5 Safety Manager.He was former member of the Friendship Force of Hartwell, member of the Hartwell Golf Club and the Hartwell First Baptist Church.He was a veteran of the Korean War, where he served in the US Navy.

Survivors include his son, Jim Danford and his wife Debbie of North Myrtle Beach SC; three daughters, Lynn Lilleston and her husband Rich of Pearland TX, Kim Taylor of McDonough GA and Lisa Bagley and her husband Ken of Watkinsville GA; twelve grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren also survive.Mr. Danford was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Annette Adams Danford; a brother, Edward and sisters, Ruby and Doris.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 4 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hartwell First Baptist Church with Dr. Steve Williams, Dr. Hugh Kirby and Rev. Carter Tucker officiating.A reception will follow the memorial service in the church fellowship hall.Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hartwell, 81 E. Howell St, Hartwell, GA 30643 or St. Mary's Hospice, PO Box 6588, Athens, GA 30604.