Lee Stafford

Lee Stafford, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and loyal friend to many, passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2026, at the age of 83 in Lubbock, Texas. Lee and his twin brother Bob were born in Lamesa, Texas, to Henry Lee Stafford and Ethel Iris Simpson Stafford. Lee and Bob were constant companions on the football field, enjoyed both snow and waterskiing, and attended Camp Stewart.

At Texas Christian University, he joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and was an active member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, where he was elected chapter President in 1963. After graduation, he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the 4th Armored Division, stationed at McKee Barracks in Crailsheim, Germany. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal by the division's Commanding General. Lee regarded his military service as one of his proudest honors.

After returning to Lubbock, he entered the construction business and married Gwendolyn Connelley in November 1968. Through Stafford Construction, Lee helped build Loop 289 and Interstate 27 from Lubbock to Plainview. The company prepared the land site for the development of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The following year, he was one of the youngest members to be selected for the Board of Directors of the Associated General Contractors of America. Deeply committed to Texas Tech, he served on the Texas Tech University's Board of Regents, including the Executive Committee and as Chairman of the Planning Committee. In that role, Lee secured the land for right-turn lanes at University and Broadway to improve traffic flow between the city and campus.

Lee was also a dedicated civic leader. He joined the Chamber of Commerce Board in 1975, rising to Chamber Chairman in 1980. During his tenure, he elevated Lubbock’s needs to the national stage, bringing prominent leaders to the city to advocate for its growing priorities. He also served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Lubbock Power and Light, helping oversee the city's municipal electric utility. His involvement extended to his role as Executive Vice President of the Board of City of Development and founding member of the Lubbock Area Foundation. Lee also served on boards of the Texas Tech Museum, the Red Raider Club, and the Lubbock Country Club.

Lee had an insatiable curiosity about technology and was an early adopter of bulletin board communication systems, a precursor to today's online world. As a visionary, in the early 80s, he created and operated the Windmill Bulletin Board, embracing the budding shift toward personal computing and online communication. Always eager to learn, he was constantly reading about the latest technological and scientific advancements while encouraging that same wonder in his children and grandchildren.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Lee was known for his generous spirit and an abiding love for animals that was a hallmark of his character.

He is survived by his wife, Gwen; his three children, John Stafford, Ginger Stafford Mcwilliams, and Hank Stafford; daughters-in-law Andie Hager Stafford and Erin Prather Stafford; his three cherished granddaughters, Connelley Mcwilliams, Vivian and Alisha Stafford. Also, nieces and nephews Leslie Stafford Baumann, Jim Stafford, Mary Quinn Wright, Mary Frances Dumay, Norma Louise Anderson, and Bobby Anderson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bob, and his parents.

A champion of Lubbock and Texas Tech, Lee left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His legacy of dedication, love, and passion will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Special thanks to Jose Beciero, MD, for his years of dedicated medical care, and Molly Lopez Ramos and Margaret Ann Wilson, dear family friends. Lee now rests in the everlasting arms of God, his creator.

In lieu of flowers, the Stafford family asks for donations to be made toward a Memorial Educational Scholarship at LP&L for the linemen who serve our community every day. For donations: Lubbock National Bank in C/O of Jennifer Rollo 12103 Quaker Ave Lubbock, Texas 79423

A memorial service honoring Lee will be held on March 6th at 2PM at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Chapel followed by a reception with military honors immediately following at the John Selah Student Center.