Bill Stafford

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. 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. His missionary conferences has led him to S. Africa, North Ireland, Australia, Zimbabwe, and many countries in Europe. He was inducted in 2008 into the Southern Baptist Hall of Faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lottie Stafford and 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. 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 from 4 – 8:30 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.