Mississippi High School baseball coach dies at the age of 40

RIPLEY, Miss. (VDN) — A Mississippi High School baseball coach has passed away at the age of 40. Ripley High School announced the news about their Head Coach, Joel Gafford.

“In our grief over losing coach Joel Gafford, our community has shown up with love and strength,” the post read. “To every counselor, minister, youth director, and friend who stood beside us this morning – thank you. Your compassion is carrying us forward.”

Gafford took over as Head Coach in 2010 at the age of 25. The New Albany native ended his career with a 254-139 record. He led RHS to three North State Title games and a 2024 state championship appearance. 

Obituary

Joel Clayton Gafford, age 40, of New Albany, Mississippi, passed away on May 4, 2025. Born 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.”