Stephen Earl Stafford, Sr.

Mr. Stephen Earl Stafford, Sr., a lifelong resident of Baker County, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. Known to family and friends as “Earl”, he was born on November 1, 1941 to the late Mr. Oreadus “Reid” and Cleo (Prevatt) Stafford. Mr. Earl would attend Lake City Community College and obtain his associate degree. He dedicated many years to the State of Florida as a Corrections Officer at Union Correctional Institute, before eventually retiring as a Captain.

Mr. Earl’s time away from work was mostly taken up by farming. He loved to work on his land and also had a love for woodworking. Earl stayed involved in his church and the sick and shut-in ministry. Most important in his life, were his grandkids and great grandkids. He treasured the time he got to spend with them. He also enjoyed going to yard sales and antiquing in his free time.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Allen Stafford, CW Stafford, and Richard “Bud Stafford”; as well as a sister: Linda Mobley.

He leaves behind to cherish years of memories: his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Mrs. Arnell Stafford of Glen St. Mary; children: Stephen (Rhonda) Stafford, Jr. of Sanderson and Laura (Jay) Stafford-Jacobs of Glen St. Mary; grandchildren: Jacob Harrison, Kaylan (Garrison) Sweat, Brandi Hollingsworth, Jared (Hannah) Stafford, Rachel Harrison, Joseph Stafford, and Josie Jacobs; great-grandchildren: Zeke, Arya, Izzy, and expected in February, Elias; sisters: Debra Gail Gonzalez and Patsy (Richard) Hunter both of Macclenny; as well as a host of extended family and close friends.

Funeral services to honor Mr. Stafford’s life will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Christian Fellowship Temple at 11:00 AM with Pastor David Thomas and Pastor Timmy Thomas officiating. Visitation will be held an hour prior at the church, beginning at 10:00 AM. He will be laid to rest in South Prong Cemetery.

Forbes Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with the arrangements. 409 West Macclenny Avenue, Macclenny, Florida 32063 “With Your Family In Mind”. (904) 259-4600. Please leave your condolences for the family in the online guestbook at www.forbesfuneralhome.net

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