Richard Paul “Popcorn” Stafford

Richard Paul “Popcorn” Stafford, age 64, of Elkridge, MD, formerly of Taylorsville, NC, passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, MD.  Born February 12, 1954, in Iredell County, NC, he was the son of the late Paul Lafayette Stafford and Margie Eugenia Millsaps Stafford.

Richard was a member of Millersville Baptist Church in Taylorsville, NC.  He had worked for over 15 years for CommScope and retired as a self-employed truck driver. Richard enjoyed talking on his CB radio, visiting with friends, and riding his motorcycle.  He loved restoring old Chevy pickup trucks and spending time with his family, especially his children and granddaughters.

Those left to cherish his memory, include his loving wife of 6 years, Shirley Ann Stafford of the home; son, Mark Stafford and wife Dana of Taylorsville, NC; daughter, Chrissy Little and husband Shaun of Taylorsville, NC; granddaughters, Carlee Stafford, Madelyn “Maddie” Nelson, Meredyth Little, and Caroline Little; sister, Martha S. Boyd of Hiddenite, NC; and brother, John A. Stafford and wife Portia of Boiling Springs, KY.

A memorial service and celebration of Richard’s life will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at Millersville Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Blakely officiating. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 2:00 to 3:45 PM on Saturday.

Condolences may be sent to the Stafford family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to:  American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct. Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979, or to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA  22215.

The Stafford family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Hickory, NC.