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Tribute Wall
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SL Ledbetter posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, September 22, 2023
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Kimberly Carol Jordan posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about this--I have attended the persimmon festival in past years and appreciated Gene's dedication to it. He seemed like such a wonderful person and a blessing to our community. Prayers for all his family!
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Gil Maness posted a condolence
Sunday, February 14, 2021
I will miss you so much. Not sure how life will be like without our daily early morning conversations as we discussed the worlds problems. Discussed our Republican views.
I will miss you!
I rejoice your passing! I know you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to joining you so we can laugh together once again.
I love you and will miss you! Tons...
Your friend forever!
Gil Maness
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Jewel Wall uploaded photo(s)
Monday, January 18, 2021
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October 23rd, 2020 was the last time our paths would cross, in this life. Thank you so much for all the wonderful memories, 12 years at Colfax School, class reunions, photographing our son’s wedding, etc., the list goes on and on. Good times will never be quite the same, with you not being there. We will miss you, our friend.
Jewel and Lee Wall
Terry Marshall posted a condolence
Monday, January 18, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. I have a lot of fond memories of things we did especially through our younger years. Beach trips, cruising the Boar & Castle and some of the parties we had at the farm. I loved to go over to his house and sit around and talk to Grandpa, Grandma, and his mother. I considered them as family and the always treated me like family. He was always fun to be around and I admired him for his artistic talents. Gene will be greatly missed.
Terry Marshalla1
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A tree was planted in memory of Francis Stafford
Sunday, January 17, 2021
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With love, Josh Foster and Hilary Hughes Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Jo Ann Stafford Peer posted a condolence
Sunday, January 17, 2021
I am one of Gene's first cousins and grew up as a little girl many years ago playing "Kick the Can" and "Cowboys and Indians" and "Hide n' Seek" with Gene, Bobby, Larry, etc. at Grandma and Grandpa Stafford's farm. We had a wonderful time and I have the fondest memories of those many Sunday afternoons hiding behind trees, swinging in the big swing on the front porch, and playing in the Log Cabin and barn with Gene and the others. I was the only girl at first and they sometimes sorta picked on me which taught me to be tough as I grew older and started a career. I was always trying to keep up with them (smile).
As we grew older, Gene visited my husband and me in San Francisco when we lived out there in 1969. It was great to have him there so far away from the South. We later moved to Charlotte and as we got older, Gene did the most wonderful job arranging birthday parties for our aunts - Aunt Lee and Aunt Dallas - which I never missed attending. He was the glue they kept us cousins in contact.
I'm so proud of all his accomplishments in photography (I have some of his wonderful phots of my grandparents and father) and his teaching career. When he started the Persimmon Festival on our Grandparents farm, it was an immediate hit! What a huge success. My husband and I would go each year and get our assignment and were proud to be there. He worked so hard on everything. Here is to Gene - he will be very missed in our family.
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Drew posted a condolence
Saturday, January 16, 2021
So sorry to hear this, Gene and his family have been life long friends of mine,I will miss his humor and friendship,,Thoughts and prayers to the family during this time,,,love Drew & Pam Donnell
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Chandler White uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, January 16, 2021
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I met Gene Stafford a zillion years ago when he was my teacher at what was then called GTI. Like me he had an irreverent, dry sense of humor that was not everybody’s cup of tea. We immediately hit it off. He was a kind and generous human being and a derned good teacher.
It was always a pleasure to be with him. One year we went on a road trip that included the Strange Seafood Festival in Beaufort. At the time, I thought that Gene was stranger than any creature at that festival, but there was never anything fishy about him.
Gene came to San Francisco to visit me one year, and it was a delightful visit. Gene and I were enough alike that he easily tolerated me, the grumpiest host in the USA. With Gene’s curious, intelligent mind he was at home where ever he landed, but he dearly loved Colfax and North Carolina the best.
And what can we say about a man who built an annual festival built around the persimmon? Who else but Gene Stafford would think of such a thing? I was never in NC to attend the festival, but I would have gone to the thing despite the fact that I really don’t care for persimmons. After all, it was Gene’s event!
Gene was a down home kind of man, but he was an educated appreciator of all of the arts and he was the owner and operator of an art gallery. He mastered the technical and artistic and business aspects of photography to the point that he can be called a master. I have always been his fan, and I am honored to own some of his photographs.
Our friendship survived for a lot of reasons. I think the major reason it went on for decades is that Gene Stafford was so much fun.
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Bud Blaylock posted a condolence
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Gene will be sorely missed. A beloved member of the Colfax and Oak Ridge communities, he left his positive mark on many.
Pete and Rose Blaylock
Bud and Stephanie Blaylock
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Harlon Costner planted a tree in memory of Francis Stafford
Saturday, January 16, 2021
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With heartfelt condolences, I want to say that Gene was a good friend to me and many others. We will miss his presence around this community! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Adrian Dean, Pinehurst NC posted a condolence
Friday, January 15, 2021
I knew Gene from high school days, but even earlier than that my mother and I would visit his grandfather at the Stafford farm for he was known to fix most household/farm tools. Gene took after him for there was more talking than fixing. Later in life Gene held court at 421 Curb Market & Grill with the early morning group and I always enjoyed our conversations. He was a man of many talents and knowledge that he liked to share. Gene put Colfax on the map with his Persimmon Festivals giving outsiders a chance to enjoy the simple way of life and of course with his photography. Many of his photos hung on the walls at 421 Curb M&G. Dian and I will miss his emails keeping us connected with friends and neighbors from Colfax. Gene will be remembered by many.
Adrian Dean
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Melody O lit a candle
Friday, January 15, 2021
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My favorite teacher at GTCC in the graphic art program!!!!
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Bruce Boyer posted a condolence
Friday, January 15, 2021
Gene became a good friend during my time at the chamber. He taught me a lot about photography. As a goodwill gesture he "showed up" at every community event and took wonderful photos. He would come to the chamber the next day and give us a disk of the photos he took. Gene had a special passion for the history of Kernersville and its historic structures. I had the pleasure of doing aerial photos of Kernersville with him on a beautifully clear day, with the fall colors in full splendor. We made a loop over his family farm as well. I loved his sense of humor. He will be missed but, because of his art of photography, he won't be forgotten.
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Robin Westmoreland Gauldin lit a candle
Friday, January 15, 2021
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Bill Reynolds lit a candle
Friday, January 15, 2021
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Gene and I were friends since the first grade. Donna and I always enjoyed spending time with Gene and Ansel at the farm and going to the annual Persimmon Festival. We will miss Gene and his many attributes. Rest in peace our dear friend. Bill Reynolds and Donna
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Bill Cissna posted a condolence
Thursday, January 14, 2021
I was shocked and saddened to look at the Kernersville News this evening and see that a long-time friend was gone. I met Gene Stafford through a professional advertising arts organization some years ago; worked with him on photography for freelance articles and at Old Salem; worked as Wendy Davis noted when he shot front-page photos for the Downtown Winston-Salem News; and have been involved in helping with public relations and the website for his creation, the Colfax Persimmon Festival. His family farm on the Colfax-Oak Ridge border is a historic site that I hope will live on even though he is gone. Gene, I will deeply miss those ramble-on breakfasts, as Cagney's will miss our business -- and those times we could ramble here and there gathering notes and photos. One of the best, most creative photographers I have known in my lifetime.
Bill Cissna
Kernersville
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Celeste Ramsey uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 14, 2021
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Gene was a wonderful, kind friend. We were fortunate to enjoy lots of laughs with him and share many family feasts together. I will miss his smile and his presence in our life.
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Kay Hamby lit a candle
Thursday, January 14, 2021
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My thoughts and prayers are with Gene and his family. I enjoyed seeing Gene every year as he got ready for the persimmon festival. He will surely be missed .
Kay Hamby
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Jim & Ann Creech planted a tree in memory of Francis Stafford
Thursday, January 14, 2021
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With deepest sympathy, Jim and Ann were very saddened to hear of Gene's death. He was a great friend for many years. He will be missed! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Francis Eugene "Gene" Stafford uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 14, 2021
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Mike and Fran Dieffenbacher planted a tree in memory of Francis Stafford
Thursday, January 14, 2021
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Our Prayers and thoughts are with all of Gene Stafford's family for strength and peace in your hearts. A great teacher and friend. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Wayne & Brad Atkins posted a condolence
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Gene was always a happy go lucky man, enjoyed working with him at the Persimmon Festival. He always called 4 months in advance to remind my dad (Wayne) and I to make sure the tractors were available for the festival. Also he went above the call of duty to make sure my daughter's wedding transportation from the wedding in Ruffin, NC to Greensboro in an antique car and he even drove the car. Gene, you will be greatly missed.
Wayne & Becky Atkins
Angie, Hallie & Brad Atkins
Taylor & Eric Simmons
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Anne Jones posted a condolence
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Gene and I met while attending UNC-G. His dry sense of humor always kept us laughing. He was the photographer at my wedding, and we remained lifelong friends. He always 'drafted' me to run the Red Cross tent at the Persimmon Festival. His vision for the farm, Colfax and life extended beyond the ordinary. I am so pleased that although we had not seen one another since the Pandemic, we stayed in touch through texts. I will miss my friend. He was one in a million.
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Brenda uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, January 14, 2021
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You will be missed. Enjoyed the fellowship with meals, dancing and helping with the festival. Until we meet
again...RIP Gene.
Brenda Israel
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Nancy Stafford ( Lopez) posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
We have lost a great friend and a man of many talents...This area will be a sadder place without “”Gene” around, especially this
fall. With his bubbling personality and contagious laughter, he will surely be missed !! I was so proud to be one of his many
cousins !!! . Go with God, Gene.......Love, Nancy Stafford (Lopez)
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Tammy Hutchins lit a candle
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
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Gene was nice guy. He will be greatly missed. See you again. In Heaven one day!!!
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Gary l. Atchison posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
I’m happy to be associated with Gene
He never let me down a true friend ...
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Rick lamb lit a candle
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
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Gene was a great friend I performed services on his equipment . He was funny and a great advisor . Does anyone know what happened to ansel his canine companion. Safe travels my friend.
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Suzanne Stafford lit a candle
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
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Gene Stafford ennobled the profession of photography, plus the very lifeline of the Carolina Persimmon, and the ancestry relics and rememberances of the Piedmont NC Staffords. He loved people, had an imaginative professional eye and a patience which was reflected in every photo he took. His presence distinguished all of us who knew him or were lucky enough to be "soul cousins."
His spirit lives on every time one of his remarkable photos stare back at us or when we bite into persimmon pudding. We will always celebrate you, Gene. Rest well, Cuz With respect and affection. Suzanne, Daegan and H.Justin Stafford
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Bonnie Marshall posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Gene was one of a kind. Funny. Friendly. Smart. His work is true talent. Rest in peace Gene. You will be missed.
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Michelle Pegram planted a tree in memory of Francis Stafford
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
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One of my Father's Best Friends, who was Always So Kind to My Brother and I. Rest In Peace, My Friend. You Will Be Missed. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Alvis Webster posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
I first met Gene at a party while he was working on his masters at UNC-G. I soon after that begin teaching at GTCC and we became close friends. We created a group we called "the old fart" and would met once week for dinner usually at his house. one of his favorite expression was "dammit Alvis" A sad day in my life. You were loved and will be missed. You exemplified best friend.
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Wendy Freeman Davis posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
I was sorry to learn of Gene's passing. Our paths had not crossed often in recent years, but he and I worked closely together many, many years ago through the Kernersville News, back when we published the Downtown Winston-Salem News and Gene photographed all of our covers. His is a great loss to the community.
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Kevin Bugg uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
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Gene was a good friend to Korners Folly and our community. Moon Light over Folly was one of his best photos. You will be missed friend. Kevin Bugg
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