Craig Maurice Stafford

Craig Maurice Stafford, 49 of Sanford, Florida passed away September 15, 2018. Craig was born May 13, 1969 in Winter Park, Florida, to Ernest Stafford and Luella Green Stafford. Both of Craig’s parents and his sister, Earnestine Anita Stafford, proceeded him in death. Craig is survived by his loving wife, Rowena Marie Stafford, and his four adoring children: Courtney Anne Stafford, 23 years old; Caleb Craig Stafford, 21 years old; Caitlin Luella Stafford, 18 years old; and Cagan Joshua Stafford, 14 years old – all who still live at the family home in Sanford, FL. Craig is also survived by his siblings: Ernest Dale Stafford, Apopka, Florida Denise Yvonne Stafford, Altamonte Springs, Florida Ronald Stafford, Altamonte Springs, Florida. Terri Stafford Preston, Orlando, Florida Mark Stafford, Casselberry, Florida, niece, Tekeshia Smiley, Apopka, Florida nephew, Jayrin Stafford, Altamonte Springs, Florida great-nephew, Justin Buckner, Sanford, Florida; great-niece, Mya Buckner, Apopka, Florida cousins: Loretta Ball, Winter Park, Florida, Ronald Critton, Winter Park, Florida; Shirley Brown Denard, Orlando, Florida; Rita Brown Veasley, Fort Mitchell, Alabama; and Brenda Brown Sullivan, Atlanta, Georgia. Craig was educated in the Seminole County Public School system and attended Lyman High School, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Rowena Plumb (Stafford). One of Craig’s passion was people. The majority of his adult working life centered around restaurant management and catering. He loved hosting large groups of people and derived great pleasure from caring for others through the gift of hospitality and fellowship. Craig loved playing the piano, listening to classical music and gospel choirs, as well as enjoying a round of golf. He loved all things soccer. He loved playing soccer, coaching soccer, and watching his children or others play soccer. Craig loved serving his local church, Metro Life Church, where he had been a faithful member for 21 years. He served on the Usher Team, lead the Hospitality Team for the monthly Men’s Breakfast, catered large church-wide events, and volunteered at the ESL classes that Metro Life Church offered to the local community. Craig was a member of the Chin Community Group that met weekly. Church life was a huge part of his life, but above all of that - Craig loved Jesus. Craig loved his family. He was a loving husband and devoted father. Craig lived a full, rich life. Craig will be dearly missed. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Metro Life Church, 910 South Winter Park Drive, Casselberry, Florida 32707. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Craig Maurice Stafford please visit our Sympathy Store. Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home, 905 Laurel Ave Sanford, Florida 32771, 407-695-CARE(2273)

Craig Maurice Stafford

May 13, 1969 - September 15, 2018