Errol Thomas Stafford's Obituary
Errol Thomas Stafford, a man of deep faith, generous spirit, and irrepressible joy, passed into the loving arms of Jesus peacefully in his home surrounded by family on March 27. Born to Chester and Juanita Stafford of Tallahassee, Florida, he grew up in Waverly Hills with his brother Doyle and graduated from Leon High School in 1960, not without a brief suspension for doing donuts in the school bowl; an early sign that his love of fast cars was not easily contained, a passion that outlasted more than one driver’s license.
Faith and music were pillars in Errol’s life. A devoted member of First Pentecostal and later Christian Heritage Church, he began leading his choir at 22 and served as a song and worship leader for over 50 years. His powerful high tenor voice graced church cantatas, weddings, funerals, and the national anthem at FSU sporting events. His last formal performance, singing with his two sons as “The Stafford Trio” at Killearn Methodist Church, was a gift to all present. His service to Christ through music spanned nearly 70 years.
He was faithfully married to the love of his life, Pat Stafford, for over 57 years, and poured himself into his role as husband, father and Pops. This included beach trips to Ormond Beach, where he perfected the art of drip sandcastle construction, along with games, recitals, McDonald’s breakfasts, and every moment in between. He loved his eight grandchildren wholeheartedly and made a point to show up for each of them.
Errol took over Stafford’s Jewelry in 1967 after his father’s passing and operated for 20 years, then built a successful real estate career in Tallahassee. He was a passionate FSU Seminole Booster from 1964 onward, known to engage opposing fans in spirited and friendly banter, with Sundays conveniently available for repentance. From 1982 to 2016, he coached hundreds of young men in baseball, from Little League, Junior Major, Babe Ruth and High School JV at NFC. His players went on to become business professionals of all sorts, athletes, and coaches with many crediting Coach Stafford’s lessons as foundational to who they became.
In his final years, Errol faced Alzheimer’s disease with grace, continuing to love his family and his Lord to the end. He spent those years at home in the devoted care of Pat and brought joy to fellow members of the Tallahassee Alzheimer’s Project’s Social Club through his piano playing and singing, offering music, as he always had, as an act of love.
Errol is survived by his wife, Pat Stafford; his brother, Doyle Stafford (Susie Daniels); his sons, Sean Stafford (Susan Duggar) and Parke Stafford (Mary Pomeroy); his daughter, Tara Goldman (Peter); and his eight grandchildren: Aislyn, Mary, Christian, Parke Lee, Mason, Sarah Ann, Ethan, and Ayla.
The family will receive visitors on April 7 at 3:00 pm at Killearn Methodist Church, with the Celebration of Life service to follow at 4:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Project of Tallahassee or Big Bend Hospice.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
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