Reffard Elijah Stafford Jr.

From today's Key West Citizen:

With sadness of heart, we celebrate the life of Reffard Elijah Stafford Jr., who departed this life on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006.

A true warrior for Jesus Christ and champion of the people, Reffard was the firstborn son of the late Eloise Delores Sherman (Stafford-
Jones) and Reffard Elijah Stafford Sr. He attended primary and secondary school in Jacksonville, Fla., and went on to excel in the field of carpentry and construction, becoming for all who knew him, a master builder.

Best known for his work in the Key West community, Reff's pride came from helping to build this community through charity and service including, but not exclusively, remodeling homes, organizing the Boy Scouts, supporting his church and giving a helping hand where needed.

This man of God loved his family and friends, and has left to mourn his passing, his father, Reffard Elijah Stafford Sr.; a loving and faithful friend and companion, Michelle Aisbie; a loving daughter, Tiki Reffine Stafford; sons, Keith Stafford, Reffard Elijah "Cub" Stafford III, Reffard Elijah Stafford IV, Benjamin Wilson, Bruce Wilson, Antwan Stafford, Joseph Stafford, Dutch Stafford, Doyle Stafford, Michael Stafford, Randy Stafford and Richard Stafford. He will also be sadly missed by his devoted sister, Dollie Stafford (Al) Manns; and brothers, Aurelius Doyle Stafford and Shawn (Dorothy) Stafford; his 33 grandchildren; uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Reffard was preceded in death by his mother, Eloise Stafford; his son, Michael "T" Stafford; and his grandparents.