Jerry Mack Stafford, was born October 4th, 1939, and passed away peacefully on January 15th, surrounded by his family. Jerry grew up in Hazel Green and lived in Madison County his entire life. He will be dearly missed and always remembered.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Orville and Geneva Stafford, as well as his sister Gaye McGrath. He is survived by his loving wife, Faye; his children Vonda Bobo (Robert), Scott Stafford (Laura), & Holly Mullins (Kevin). His 9 grandchildren: Elizabeth Hall, Sarah Pope, Samuel Bobo, Maya Stafford, Mack Stafford, John Robert Bobo, Loren Mullins, Garrett Mullins, & Colton Mullins. His 3 great grandchildren: Lilly Hall, Wesley Stafford, & Magnolia Hall. He is also survived by his siblings: Stan Stafford, Roger Stafford, Randall Stafford, and Debbie Perry.
Jerry grew up at the source of the Flint river and enjoyed spending time exploring, swimming, and fishing. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast starting in high school by playing basketball and later attending every sports event his siblings, his children, and grandchildren participated in. He joined the Navy after graduation which began his love of travel. He saw the world and later shared this love with his children. When he was discharged, he returned to Alabama and started working at Redstone Arsenal. Where he met a beautiful blonde named Ella Faye in a red dress. They fell in love and remained so for 61 years.
Jerry obtained a degree in physics from Athens State. He had a mathematical mind. He specialized in radar and later was involved in the Patriot Program. He worked for NASA, IBM, and CAS during his career. He loved learning and anything mechanical. He spent hours in his workshop building a TV from scratch, building solar panels before they were a thing, and repairing old radios.
In 1978, he started a second career with his brothers, Stafford Realty, Inc. He loved buying and selling real estate. If it was a land auction, he had a number and was bidding. If he bought land that didn’t have a pond, he would talk Faye into letting him dig one.
A few years ago, Jerry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. His strong will to live and his wife’s care kept him going. He took up boxing with Rock Steady Boxing sponsored by the Senior Center.
What he was most loved for was his compassion and generosity for others. He was always quietly giving to others and lending a helping hand. He loved his wife and children, adored his grandchildren, & was obsessed with his great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at 12:30 pm followed by his funeral at 2 pm on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 at Legacy Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Huntsville Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Senior Center of North Alabama, Rock Steady Boxing: https://www.seniorview.com/?page_id=3594
