Ray Stafford

He was born June 27, 1936 in Mitchell County, NC to the late Taylor and Mamie Gurley Stafford. Mr. Stafford was a veteran of the United States Army and was a member of Pine Branch Baptist Church. He loved his church and had perfect attendance in Sunday school for 18 years. He enjoyed wildflower photography, collecting cameras, and woodworking. He especially enjoyed making clocks.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers, Howard, James and Guy Stafford and two sisters, Lena Belle Buchanan and Helen Stafford.

Surviving Mr. Stafford are his beloved wife of over 53 years, Betty Bell Stafford; one daughter, Christina Lael of Spruce Pine, NC and fiancé, Mark Franklin of Roan Mountain, NC; one step son, Charles G. “Jeff” Boyter and wife, Cheryl of Marion, NC; five grandchildren, Joseph Boyter and wife, Amanda, Jacob Boyter and wife, Jessica, Ashley Duncan and fiancé, Anthony Laws, Hannah Lael and fiancé Tyler Nikols and Sarah Lael and fiancé, Harland Biggs; great-grandchildren, Karoline, Katherine, Mason, Zoheigh, Zayleigh, Brantley, and one on the way; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Hospice of Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Dr., Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.kirkseyfhmarion.com.