Bobby Lee Stafford

Bobby Lee Stafford, 82, of Massillon, passed away on March 9, 2025 at Pavillion Health Care.

He was born on August 2, 1942 in Rienzi, MS.

A 1962, graduate of Wick Anderson High School in Booneville, MS, where he was an all star running back. Bobby was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, Massillon, where he served as a longtime member of the deacon board and sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the gospel singing group Highway All Stars. He retired from Republic Steel after 30 years of employment and also worked part time at Aultman Hospital. Bobby was a past president of the Massillon Branch of The NAACP for 20 years, and vice president of the Ohio State NAACP for many years. Bobby was dedicated to his God, family, his community, and was also a diehard Massillon Tiger Football fan.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Jessie (Parker) Stafford, children, Danita A. Stafford, Jason L. Stafford, and Brian (Haley) Parker; grandchildren, Chenara, Jasmine, Jason II, Zachary, Maleah, and Mason, great-grandchildren, Izaiah, Elijah, Mya, Lawrence , Dalon, Carter, Kobe, and Zachary, great-great-grandson, Zi'aier; siblings, Marie Hall, Mary Jean (T.L) Hurd, Yvonne Daniels, and Gregory Stafford; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins;and longtime friend Curtis Perry III.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, George (Velma) Stafford, Paulette Daniels, Faye Conley, and Gizelle Stafford; father, Hudie Stafford and mother, Ethel (White)Gregory.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 17, 2025, 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Friendship Baptist Church, with a Home Going Celebration at 11:00 am in the church, Pastor Hubert Carpenter, officiant and Dr. Walter Arrington, eulogist. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery .

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