Dr. William R. (Bill) Stafford Jr.

Dr. Bill R. Stafford, Jr., well-known Evangelist and Servant of God went home to be with His Lord on September 15, 2019 at the age of 86.

Dr. Stafford was a longtime resident of Chattanooga and a graduate of Tennessee Temple College.  He pastored at Lupton Drive Baptist Church for 12 years before going into full-time evangelistic work in 1971.

Called to preach at the age of 19, Bill Stafford surrendered after a time of rebellion in his teenage years.  In an interview with The Christian View, he said of his early years, "My Mom and Dad kept me in church.  I got saved when I was 12. I was raised in a Christian atmosphere. I went through a time of rebellion, but the whole time I was rebelling, I still knew that God had His hand on me and that He was not going to let me go. But I still put Him off until the age of 19. I got tired of running so I surrendered to preach."  

As a youngster, from the ages of 11 to 13, he often sang in church with his mother. A little older, he wanted to be a comedian. "I would study Red Skelton,", Stafford said.  "I could do anything he did. I wanted to be cute. I entertained the high school two times a week."

He graduated from elementary school two years ahead, so, in high school, his peers were older than he was.  He graduated at the age of 16.

Dr. Stafford played the role of Mr. Rudolph in the 2008 Independent Film, “Fireproof.” He served as former president of International Congress Revival and has preached the gospel to countless thousands.

As President of International Congress on Revival, Stafford has preached overseas and has brought pastors to countries such as  South Africa, Ireland, Australia, Zimbabwe, Austria, Hungary, and many other countries in Europe. 

Dr. Stafford has described his evangelism as "phenomenal.  I can't talk about it without weeping,"  he said.  "It is unbelievable, preaching in churches I couldn't imagine, and had no reason why I was there except that He said, "I will open the door that no man will shut."  Manley Beasley said, "Let Him kick the doors open, and walk through them."  That's exactly what Stafford did.  Dr. Stafford describes his life as "One Glorious Journey."

He was inducted in 2008 into the Southern Baptist Hall of Faith in Nashville, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Roy Stafford Sr. and Lottie Madaris Stafford; and his sister, Ann Henderson.

Survivors are his wife of 69 years, Sue Stafford;   daughters, Brenda (Roy) Raymond and Karen Stafford both of Chattanooga;  sons, Steve (Jan) Stafford, Trenton, GA., Rev. Bill (Judy) Stafford III, Harrison, and Bobby Stafford, Chattanooga;  16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, September 19th at 1 p.m. at Lupton Drive Baptist Church with his son, Rev. Bill Stafford III and several other guest ministers speaking.  Special music will be provided by Greater Vision.

Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens with Eric Stafford, Cody Stafford, Rusty Saenz, Phillip Seay, Cody Davis, and Tony Wilson serving as pallbearers.

You may visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences to the family and to view the memorial tribute.

Dr. Stafford will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 12 noon until 1 p.m.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 18 from 4 p.m.  – 8:30 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road Chattanooga, TN.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.