Rayford Lee Stafford,

Rayford Lee Stafford, age 73, of the Ellendale Community, Taylorsville, passed away at his residence, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, following a lengthy illness. Born Aug. 1, 1938, to the late Gerald and Alma Teague Stafford in Alexander Co. NC, he was a member of Antioch Baptist Church. Rayford was founder of Robbie Tire Co, now operated by his sons in Southern Florida. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth and Lynn Stafford.  Mr. Stafford is survived by his wife, Faye Manning Stafford of the home; two sons, Steven H. Stafford and wife Carol, of Parkland, Fl. and Michael S. Stafford and wife, Karen of Tallahassee, Fl. He has five granddaughters, Abby Stafford of Fort Lauderdale, Annie Beal and husband Todd of Xenia, Ohio, Ally Stafford of Parkland, Megan Stafford and Rachel Stafford, both of Tallahassee. He also has a great-grand daughter, Caroline Beal, just three weeks old. Ray has one sister-in-law, Linda Stafford, of Statesville. There are a number of nieces and nephews. Ray had special caregivers, Jo Scott, Kelly Hickerson, and Sheila Earp. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, from 10:00-11:30am. at Alexander Funeral Service with graveside funeral services at 12 noon in the Taylorsville City Cemetery. Rev. Tanner Munday will officiate.   Memorials may be made to Harry's Hands in care of Antioch Baptist Church, 524 Antioch Ch. Rd. Taylorsville, NC 28681 or Christian Crisis Ctr. P.O. Box 75, Taylorsville, NC. 28681.  Arrangements are entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.