Edwin E Stafford

Edwin Eugene Stafford (Ready Eddy), age 81, Lenoir, passed away peacefully at his home January 17, 2023. He was born July 14, 1941 to the late Euell & Mary Stafford. He was also preceded in death by his wife and high school sweetheart, Bernita Greer Stafford; sister Marilyn Edwards, and daughter, Deanna Stafford Sparks. Mr. Stafford was a life-long member of College Avenue Baptist Church.

Survivors include a sister Myra Stafford Mooney (Art) of Kannapolis NC, a daughter Sara Stafford Wright (William) of the home, son Eric E. Stafford (Cathy), Lenoir, NC and son-in-law Jerry Sparks (Kay) of Granite Falls, NC. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Adam Sweet, Jonathon Jonas, Christopher Sweet, Tiffany Sparks Norman (Ben), Ethan Sparks (Pashence), Catlyn Auton, Brent Auton, and 9 great-grandchildren, Aiden Sweet, Addison Sweet, Aleq Sweet, Hunter Sweet, Ian Sweet, Silas Norman, Bennett Norman, Weston Norman and Lucian Sparks.

Mr. Stafford retired from Sears after 40+ years as a master repairman. He also had a love of speed, starting as a Aircraft Wing walker for Mel Robinson. But his true love for speed came with stock car racing, serving as crew chief for 1972 NASCAR rookie-of-the-year, Larry Smith, and 1990 NASCAR Series National Champ, Max Prestwood. He also built race cars in his own shop Ready Eddy’s Race Cars with friends Tommy Watson and his dear friend, Richard “Red” Wright.

He was also a beloved husband and father. Everyone who knew him, loved him.

Services for Mr. Stafford will be held at Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 2:00pm.

Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends Monday, January 23, 2023 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm.

Pallbearers will be Ralph Pope, Tim Pope, Ethan Sparks, Ben Norman, Aiden Sweet, Hunter Sweet, and Richard Wright.

Honorary Pallbearers: Ralph Haigler, Wilber Woodall, William Wright.

The family requests that memorials be made to College Avenue Baptist Church, 1201 College Avenue SW, Lenoir NC 28645.

Mr. Stafford's dear friend and caretaker, Amy Sanders proceded him in death.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.

Pendry’s Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Edwin Eugene Stafford.