Thurman "Bill" Stafford

MR. THURMAN "Bill" STAFFORD, 74 of MONROE, NC passed away Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Atrium Health / Union in Monroe, NC.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the Harris Funeral Home Memorial Chapel in Monroe, NC.

(Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic everyone attending the Service and Public Viewing are required to wear a mask or facial covering.  Also please use the Hand Sanitizing Station when entering and exiting the Funeral Home.)

There will be a public viewing held on Friday, March 18, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., at Harris Funeral Home and Cremations of Monroe, NC.

Mr. Thurmond "Bill " Stafford, son of the late Arbutus Funderburk Stafford and Cleodis Stafford and (Biological father, the late James Alexander Staton) was born on Saturday, November 29, 1947 in Union County, North Carolina.  He went to his heavenly home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 12, 2022 in Monroe, NC, along with his beloved parents, grandparents, Rev Roland W. Funderburk (Hattie E. McManus) and Adam Staton (Glennie Rorie).  He was also preceded in death by four infant children and an infant big sister who are awaiting him in heaven.

Bill received his education in the Union County Schools.  He lived and made home in Unionville and Monroe, NC, where he met his bride, Brenda Sue Barrett, in their teen years.  They were wed for 40 years.  God blessed their union with ten biological children; 20 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and many adopted sons and daughters whom they nurtured and loved as their own.

Bill held various jobs throughout his working years, but dedicated most of his career as an employee with the City of Monroe, NC, where he made lifelong friends whom he cherished until the end.

In later years, Bill attended and became a member of Monroe Full Gospel Church for many years, where he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ.  He was a beloved member of his church and cherished by all as a church father, Elder and brother.

Affectionately known by most as Mr. Bill, Uncle Bill, or Dad, Bill was deeply loved by his family and many in the neighborhood and community.  He accepted the charge of being a Father, Uncle, Granddad or Friend to all and loved to fellowship with his neighbors, but most of all his family.  His best friends were his uncles and cousins.  favorite past-time was spending time with his family (especially his grandchildren, telling stories, enjoying time outside wearing his favorite hat and sunglasses, going for rides, and hunting.  He especially loved talking with and visiting his beloved aunties (Dorothy E. Wilson and Lilliam F. Collins).

Left to cherish loving memories are his wife, Brenda Sue Barrett Stafford; his children, Reginald Barrett, April Barrett, Henrietta "Kitty" Barrett, Brenda Renee Barrett, David "Peter Brown" Barrett, Thermond Barrett, James Calvin Barrett (Sharon) and Joyce Caldwell Medley (William); his brothers, Robert Allen (Lisa) an Michael Allen (Shenita)' his beloved aunts, Dorothy Wilson, Joyce Givens, Geraldine Mobley, Bobbie Burns; his uncle, Dennie R. Stafford; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, James and Mittie Perry; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.