Gary Stephen Stafford, Sr.
February 9, 1944 ~ February 12, 2020
Gary Stephen Stafford, Sr., 76, of Martinsville, passed away February 12, 2020. Gary was born February 9, 1944, in Martinsville, to the late Paul Sr. and Edna (Crawshaw) Stafford. He married the love of his life, Sarah Hendley on September 8, 1963.
Gary graduated in the class of 62’ from Martinsville High School. He retired from ANR Freight Systems in 1996. He was a member of Good Shepherd Baptist Church for 38 years. Gary drove the church bus for many years as well. He enjoyed going to grandchildren’s games, going to Florida, westerns shows, and having a good time just making people laugh. While down in Florida he also attended Redemption Baptist Church. He is going to greatly missed by his loving family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Rader.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Sarah Stafford; sons, Gary S. (Karen) Stafford Jr. and Joseph R. Stafford; a daughter Scharme Jo (Christopher) Grider; brothers, Paul (Nikki) Stafford Jr. and Fred (Myra) Stafford; sisters, Sharon Stafford-Poe, Ginger (Tony) Kelley, Lora Tworek, and Robin (Doug) Johnson; a brother in law, Ernie Rader; grandchildren, Stephen, Jayme ,Lindsey, Gunnar, Zakkary, Noah, Cameron, Griffin, Dylan, and Alyssa; great grandchildren, Edmund, Eliza, and Jensen.
Visitation is Friday, February 21, 2020, 4 to 8 p.m., at Good Shepherd Baptist Church. Additional visitation hours will be Saturday, February 22, 2020, 1 to 2 p.m.; service will follow 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Centerton Cemetery, Centerton, Indiana.
While flowers are welcome, memorial contributions may be made to Teen and Childrens Ministry at Good Shepherd Baptist Church.
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Uncle Gary, you will be missed dearly by all! Growing up next door to you and Aunt Sarah was such a blessing to me, like having two sets of parents!! I will miss your bear hugs and then smelling like your cologne the rest of the day! I will miss a LOT of things about you! See you in the Kingdom! Love, Angie (your favorite niece!)
I have memories of you pinching me and teasing me (in the sweetest way) and always calling calling me poison. I also remember your cologne on me when we hugged and your giggle/chuckle which was contagious. It is so sad to see you go but I know that all of have the fondest memories of you that will keep you alive. Love you!
I will forever be “Jake the Snake” because of you. I can still hear you say “Well, hey there Jake the Snake.” No matter what age I was you called by that nickname. You will be truly missed. I’m glad to see you are at peace with our Heavenly Father. Welcome home! Please give grandma Stafford and Aunt Ruth a big hug and kiss for me, and tell them I love and miss them so much.
Gary was a part time driver for me once he retired. I was fond of his love for the Lord and not ashamed to speak up and tell everyone who Christ was to him. He will definitely be missed. My Love to all of the family. Connie Holloway
May God wrap the family in His loving arms. Heaven gained another angel with the passing of another Stafford family member. Fly high to Glory. Peace be with your loved ones❣️ߥ”ݣ️ߙ
We knew Gary, Sarah and all the family for many years..sympathies and prayers to all from the Tansel family. ߙϰߏ»
I’m not a family member but I k for sure Gary was one fine christen gentlemen.O yeah and what a jokester.there is a picture floating around on f b of him and my wife,Loretta feeding each other French frys at Culver’s.
I rode the church bus as Gary’s helper back at the turn of the century. We had such a great relationship, bantering back and forth and singing along with the kids on their way to and from church. It forever stands out as one of the highlights of my life. Gary and Sarah took me in during my college stay, and made sure I was loved and cared for. Years later, when I got married and my little family came back to Good Shepherd, they showed the same love to my husband and daughter. <3 Gary was witty, intelligent, kindhearted, and so much fun. The world was a better place for having him in it. I am a better person for having known the Staffords. Sarah, Charme and family, our hearts are with you. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. May the Lord prove Himself the Comforter. <3
Gary was such a sweetheart. Was in high school with him. Sorry to hear of his passing . Thoughts and prayers to his family. Ginger Bastin Fowler !
When I was in 8th grade, I had to move with my Dad from Martinsville to Greenwood. I had spent a great part of my childhood in Martinsville and Gary Jr. was a great friend. I didn’t want to move willingly, so, rather than let me move away my 8th grade year in school, the Stafford family allowed me to finish my school year and live with them. Both Sarah and Gary treated me like one of their own…Gary Jr. might say they treated me better than their own! LOL I just remember that time with the Stafford family as being one of favorite times in my life. I just remember Gary Sr. never entering or leaving a room without joking or poking at you…all in good fun! Whenever I reminisce my teen years, I have the Stafford family to thank for a good part of that. Thank you Sarah and Godspeed Sr!
I remember him being such a jokester and a wonderful man . He will be missed .