Gary Wade Stafford

October 9, 1953 - July 20, 2025

After spending Saturday surrounded by family and friends, Gary Stafford entered the presence of Jesus Sunday morning in his final triumph in his battle with cancer and other health issues. Gary had a quiet, but strong faith in Jesus Christ whom he accepted as his Savior while a youth at Center United Methodist Church. He later met and married Angie there. Although beset by numerous health issues in recent years, he seldom complained. A humble man who never flaunted his talents, Gary instead used them to quietly, but generously, help others whenever possible. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting and fishing while spending time at the family farm, and collecting pocketknives. Most of all, he delighted in providing for and spending time with his family enjoying ordinary activities. He was a loving and faithful son, husband, father, father-in-law, brother, friend, and especially a loving Paw Paw. He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church where he missed being in attendance recently due to his declining health. His favorite hymn was Amazing Grace, especially verse 3 “ Through many dangers, toils and snares we have already come….” He was an active member of the Swift Creek Exchange Club for many years doing quiet deeds of community service.

Gary was born in Burlington, NC to James Marvin and Brenda Sharpe Stafford. He grew up on his family’s farm south of Graham where he learned the virtues of being in a loving family, hard work, honesty, and perseverance. He graduated from Southern Alamance High School after attending Alexander Wilson Elementary. He earned a BS in Electrical Engineering from NC State 1975 and worked for Buffaloe, Morgan, and Assoc Consulting Engineers from 1975-1999. He worked as a home inspector for a few years before joining the Town of Cary as a building and electrical inspector, retiring in 2019 as the Chief Electrical Inspector.

He is survived by: Angie Stafford, his wife of 49 years (May 29, 1976); son, Eric Stafford (Amanda); grandchildren- Dillon, Adam, and Sarah Stafford; daughter, Linda Stafford; brother, Dan Stafford (Wanda); nephew, Brian Stafford; niece, Amy Hilfiker; aunt, Eudell Matthews; many cousins; numerous friends and neighbors.

Many thanks to our friends, neighbors, church members, and others who have supported our family during the past year in innumerable ways. Thank you to Dr. Stuart Levin for providing many years of medical care and to Dr. Ranjit Joseph and his entire oncology staff for compassionate care this past year. Thanks to Heartlands Hospice, especially nurses Jessica and Ally.

Gary will certainly be missed by his family and friends. But we confidently look forward to our future reunion with him in God’s glorious presence.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26 at 11:00 at Fairview Baptist Church, Apex, 27539 The family will mingle with guests after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to organizations that were dear to Gary’s heart would be appreciated: Fairview Baptist Church, 5608 Ten Ten Road, Apex, NC 27539; Mabopane Foundation , 3913 US Hwy 64W, Apex, NC 27523 or maboponekids.org , and the NC District Foundation for the Prevention of Child Abuse; 1406 Grangerford Court, Durham, NC 27703

Gary preferred not to wear suits and ties. So, please dress comfortably for the service.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Stafford family.