William “Bill” L. Staggs

William “Bill” L. Staggs, 82 of Calera, AL passed away on Wednesday July 15, 2026, at Brookwood, AL from March 1^st; he fought a long battle of vocal cord cancer and other setbacks until he finally made his heavenly journey.

He was married to Janet Craddock for 37 years. They lived in Oakdale, CT where they raised 3 children. A few years after she passed away, Bill was reunited with his high school sweetheart from 1962, Darlene Dixon Talton. He came back to Alabama for a visit in 2013 and never left. They did get married; they came full circle as some say,” it was meant to be”.

Bill was a self-made machinist who was a tool and Die Maker. He went to work for DANA Corporations in Connecticut. Bill was also a model maker for Turbine Blades. He flew around the world to help buy, set up, and run CNC Machines.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Christine Staggs of Clanton, AL; brothers John, Douglas, Randy and Larry; his son, Gerald and late wife, Janet.  Bill is survived by his wife, Darlene Carroll Dixon Staggs; daughter, Terry Wydra (Adam); son, Larry Craddock (Lauren); brother Richard Staggs (Deb); several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Bill will be held Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Charter Funeral Home (2521 Hwy 31 Calera, Al 35040) A visitation will be held at 2 p.m. followed by a service at 3 p.m.