Obituary for Claude A. Stafford, Jr.
Claude Allison Stafford, Jr., 72, scored his last touchdown and rang the victory bell for the final time on April 8, 2021. A native of South Norfolk, Claude was born in Norfolk, Virginia on July 21,1948, to the late Claude A. Stafford, Sr. and Mrs. Ruth Brooks Stafford. He retired from the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office as Undersheriff after thirty-one years of service. Claude was the recipient of many awards including Virginia’s Outstanding Deputy Sheriff of the Year in 1983, City Manager’s Award for Outstanding Service to the City of Chesapeake in 1986, and Meritorious Service Award from the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office in 1993. Claude’s devotion to his beloved Oscar Smith High School, especially the Tiger football program, is legendary.
Claude was often described as a most loyal and steadfast friend. His love of sports was the pillar upon which he built his many great friendships. Whether you knew him through his work with the Sheriff’s Office, playing sports, coaching little league, supporting the Smith Tigers, or following ODU Basketball, “The Greatest Tiger of all time” gave you his best.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 48 years, Brenda Harrell Stafford; daughters, Jennifer (Ash) Bruce, and Carey (Kevin) Causey; grandchild, Chase Madeline Causey; sister, Amy Stephan; nephew, Garry Stephan, Jr., numerous cousins with whom he shared many treasured memories as well as a host of beloved family and friends in the community. Family was everything to Claude.
His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he knew and loved. Please share your stories of remembrance at www.grahamfuneralhome.com. Friends are invited to pay their respects at Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, on Monday, April 12, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. John Keane officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Memorial Park, Norfolk. Due to COVID restrictions temperature checks and masks will be required to enter the building; seating is limited. For those unable to attend you may visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service and leave condolences. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Oscar Smith Football Booster Club, or an organization of your choice.
Claude was often described as a most loyal and steadfast friend. His love of sports was the pillar upon which he built his many great friendships. Whether you knew him through his work with the Sheriff’s Office, playing sports, coaching little league, supporting the Smith Tigers, or following ODU Basketball, “The Greatest Tiger of all time” gave you his best.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 48 years, Brenda Harrell Stafford; daughters, Jennifer (Ash) Bruce, and Carey (Kevin) Causey; grandchild, Chase Madeline Causey; sister, Amy Stephan; nephew, Garry Stephan, Jr., numerous cousins with whom he shared many treasured memories as well as a host of beloved family and friends in the community. Family was everything to Claude.
His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he knew and loved. Please share your stories of remembrance at www.grahamfuneralhome.com. Friends are invited to pay their respects at Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, on Monday, April 12, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. John Keane officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Memorial Park, Norfolk. Due to COVID restrictions temperature checks and masks will be required to enter the building; seating is limited. For those unable to attend you may visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service and leave condolences. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Oscar Smith Football Booster Club, or an organization of your choice.