Robert Stafford

Robert G. Stafford PORTSMOUTH - Robert Graydon "Pottsie" Stafford, 89, went to be with his Savior Nov. 16, 2009. He was a native of Portsmouth. He was a loyal member of Jackson Memorial Baptist Church and once served as a deacon at Rivershore Baptist Church. He was Past Master and member for more than 50 years of Lake Drummond Masonic Lodge, No. 178. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, a veteran of World War II, and later served in the National Guard. After 37 years of civil service, he retired from the Combatant Craft Department as a naval architect technician. Pottsie is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Juanita Morgan Stafford; one daughter, Barbara S. Vogelsang and her husband Kurt of Charlottesville; one son, Morgan L. Stafford of Virginia Beach; a special sister-in-law, Addie C. "Teeny" Stafford; a niece, Minnie S. Mathias; three grandchildren, Stephen M. Bernstein of Lauderhill, Fla., Jennifer L. Kolettis of Peoria, Ill., and Joshua D. Bernstein of Richmond Hill, Ga.; and seven great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the nurses and physicians of the 3rd floor ICU, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center for their exceptional care during his illness. The family would also like to thank his dedicated and long time physician, Dr. Kathleen McEntee. A funeral will be conducted Thursday at 11 a.m. at Loving Funeral Home, Churchland, with the Rev. Frankie Carroll and the Rev. Jackie Allen officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 5 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Jackson Memorial Baptist Church, 4316 Bruce Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321. Online condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com.