Rufus Stafford

Rufus Stafford was born on April 8, 1943, in Birmingham, AL. He was the second child of eight siblings born to the late parents of Rollie and Lenora Stafford. He graduated from Commerce High School in Detroit, MI. After high school, Rufus furthered his education while attending Henry Ford Community College and Wayne State University.

Rufus enjoyed working for Ford Motor Company as a Purchasing Manager/General Manager; Unistrut as a Operations Manager/Quality Circles Administrator; Vendors Supply of America as a Warehouse Manager, Purchasing Manager & General Manager; Blockbuster Video as a Distribution Manager/Area Operations Manager and subsequently retired.

In his latter years of life, Rufus decided he was too young to really retire and decided to return to work, joining the team at Wesley Norris Insurance Agency. Afterwards, his unending “LOVE QUEST” for knowledge and doing research led Rufus to begin working for the Goodyear, AZ Branch Library where he thoroughly enjoyed helping the patrons in any way that he could meeting and exceeding expectations. He was interviewed at the library and the gift of his giving back exudes in the overflow in the film.

Rufus loved spending time with family and friends. He loved movies, computers and gadgets. He was an encourager, always busy helping others to better themselves with a Joyful heart. His love of sports was shared with his father in law, the late Johnnie Matthews as they would watch their favorite team, The Lakers and the best player of all times, Kobe according to Rufus. Lebron and The Cavaliers became his team after Kobe retired. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play football and basketball. He loved playing spades & bid whist. He would stay up late into the night playing cards. He was very competitive and did not like to lose at all.

Rufus fell in Love with his wife, Darlene and enjoyed many years of traveling all over exploring, visiting friends and family. One of their frequent favorite spots was Hawaii, due to Rufus love of the ocean. They would relax listening to old school,

r & b, and smooth jazz music. His love

for Darlene extended to her parent’s asking them to come and live with them in Arizona. Mom Virginia did eventually move with them making family gatherings all the better.

Rufus gave his life to Christ with family and friends surrounding him with Tears streaming down. It was such a Blessing to witness the Joyful acceptance of Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior.

Rufus was proceeded in death by his brother, Elmer and sisters Shirley and Juanita. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving devoted wife, Darlene (Goodyear, AZ), six children: Selina Stafford of Michigan, Derrick Stafford of California, Lisa Manson of Michigan, Charles Stafford (Shannon) of Kentucky, Eric Edwards of Florida, and Jeremy Trotter of Washington, his five brothers: Everett Stafford (Yolanda), Harold Stafford (Deborah), Clifford Stafford (Mary Ann), Ronald Stafford, and Raymond Stafford (Josephine) all of Detroit, MI. A loving mother in law, Virginia, a sister in law Glenda Kent (James) of California and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.