Visitation will be held from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Funeral will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Memorial Baptist Church in Temple with visitation an hour prior form 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Bellwood Memorial Park.
Dick was born on August 22, 1937, in Redlands, California. As a California native, he loved California but could not wait to move to Texas, and become a Temple Wildcat. At age 15, he moved to Temple, Texas in 1952 to play high school football for the Temple Wildcats. He graduated from Temple High School in 1956.
He married the love of his life, Linda Stafford, in Sundown, Texas, on June 30, 1961.
Dick Stafford was a three-year varsity letterman for the Temple Wildcats from 1953 to 1955, playing fullback and safety. Stafford earned Super Centex selection as a full-back, as well as All-District honors, and honorable mention All-State. As a senior, Stafford was picked as Temple's best all-around player on a District Championship Team. Stafford played one year of college football at Midwestern State, where he was a starter as fullback. He went on to play three seasons at Texas Tech University. He was a two-year starter at fullback and linebacker for the Red Raiders. He graduated from Texas Tech in 1961.
Following his playing career, Stafford spent 31 years as a high school coach at eight different high schools. In 1979, he won the 4A state championship as the Offensive Coordinator at Temple High. This undefeated team included his son, Bret Stafford as a freshman on Varsity. This marked one of his greatest accomplishments and joys as a coach. He had an overall successful coaching record of 243 wins, 94 losses, and 4 ties. Dick was inducted as a player into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2022, representing Temple High School.
Dick retired in 1992, and in 1993 he and Linda pursued a dream of opening Pack ‘N’ Mail in Temple, Texas.
He lived a full and active life serving his family, church, and impacting many lives through coaching and teaching. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church for 54 years and Deacon for three decades. He was proud to be an American and loved his country.
His life was marked by a deep love for the Lord and his family. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of sixty-five years, Linda Stafford. His daughter Cindy Stafford Brantley and husband, Roy of College Station. His son Bret Stafford and wife, Gail of Belton. His brother, Ronnie Shockley and wife, Becky of Tucson, Arizona.
His eight grandchildren, Bethany and Patrick Sleebos, Stafford and Sarah-Clare Brantley, Charis and Robert Hill, Celeste and Daniel Stagg, Shane and Mary Hope Stafford, Trent and Jewelya Stafford, Robyn Paiz, John and Carolyn DeLao.
His twelve great-grandchildren, Jayden, Josiah, and Jocelyn Sleebos. Beckett Stafford. Charlotte Stafford, Sam, Nathan, and Kaeden Paiz, John, Jace, Caleesi, and Carson DeLao.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille Shockley and sister, Linda Wright. He is forever grateful for the love and support of his mother.
Though Coach Stafford’s accomplishments on the football field were remarkable, those who knew him best will remember him most for his steadfast faith, servant’s heart, integrity, encouragement, and deep love for people. His legacy lives on in the generations of family members, students, athletes, and friends he inspired.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Memorials may be made in his honor to Memorial Baptist Church.
6161 South 5th Street, Temple, TX 76502
https://memorial.churchcenter.com/giving
Serving as Pallbearers will be Stafford Brantley, Shane Stafford, Trent Stafford, Patrick Sleebos, Daniel Stagg, Robert Hill.
