Wallace Weldon Stafford (Papa), born to George and Freda Stafford on February 2nd, 1934, in Abbott, Texas, married his loving wife, Valda, on October 16th, 1959, in Waco, Texas. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ramona Rogers, and her husband, Charles Rogers. He is survived by his sister Carol Sexton, of Gholson, Texas. He is also survived by his wife, Valda Stafford, his son, Keith Stafford and wife Karen, and his daughter, Robbie Talbert and husband, Jimmy. He was a wonderful grandfather to eleven grandchildren: Raymond and wife Lauren, Dylan and wife Anna Beth, Shelby, Justin, and Jesse, as well as Whitney and husband Taylor, Jake, and Levi, and soon to be great-granddaughter.
One of Wallace’s most respected qualities was his incredible work ethic. He graduated from Abbott High School in 1951, and went on to serve his country in the United States Army as an occupational soldier stationed in France, from 1956-1958. He then worked as a dedicated employee at General Tire for thirty-three years, as well as at the Midway ISD Maintenance Department for five years.
Wallace served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ above all else. He was ordained as a Deacon at Meadowbrook Baptist Church on May 17th, 1992 and was an active member of Shiloh Baptist Church. He had a firm and strong faith, and it was important to him to instill the Word of God into the hearts of his family. One of the ways he did this was by having his children and grandchildren read the Christmas Story every Christmas.
Wallace was also dedicated to his family. He left his children and grandchildren with invaluable skills and priceless memories, from hunting and carpentry, to camping and waterskiing. Friends were an extension of the family to Wallace, and he made sure they always felt welcome, in both his home, and on his boat. He never turned down time with his friends, or even the friends of his children, and could often be found out on the lake teaching one of them how to water ski. One of his favorite annual traditions was his Colorado Deer Hunt with his hunting buddies, Thurman and Curtis Brown, and Thomas (Hut) Frazier.
Perhaps, the favorite Papa tradition of all was his Christmas display each year. It left every observer in awe and with a lasting impact of delight. Wallace’s constant and unwavering faith, hope, and love for Christ, his Savior, shone just as brightly, and his memory will glow forever in the hearts of every family member and friend whom God so richly blessed with his presence for any length of time. The annual and elaborate display of his celebration of Immanuel inspires us to celebrate the God who is with us, in His Spirit on earth and, now, in person with Papa in heaven. We will heed Papa’s example in celebrating our hope of being united with our Savior and with Papa until that hope becomes reality.
Pallbearers for today’s service will be Raymond, Dylan, Justin, and Jesse Stafford, and Jimmy, Jake, and Levi Talbert, and Taylor Holmes.