Dale Stafford

Whitsett Dale Suttle Stafford, 94, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2015 at his home. A native of Guilford County, he was born April 4, 1920 to the late Jabe and Emma Gray Stafford. He was the husband of 58 years to the late Verla Florine Greeson Stafford. On October 17, 1941 Mr. Stafford enlisted in the US Army where he served as an Anti-Aircraft Combat Engineer. During that time he was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Eustis, VA, Norfolk, VA, North Africa, Sardinia, Corsica, Germany and England before being honorably discharged on October 16, 1945. One month after his homecoming, he wasted no time marrying the love of his life, Florine. Mr. Stafford was an avid hunter and had a lifelong dedication to gardening, providing vegetables for his family and community. He is survived by his daughter, Becky Stafford of the home; sisters, Mary Coble and Jane Sporleder and husband, Arnold; a sister-in-law, Rachel Stafford and his special caregiver, Becky. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, four brothers and one sister. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at Mt. Hope United Church of Christ by Rev. Lloyd Spencer. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the Hospice caregivers for their time and dedication during Mr. Stafford's illness. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Hope UCC general fund, 2400 Mount Hope Church Road, Whitsett, NC 27377 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405.