Ernest “Allan” Stafford of Mooresville and Troutman, N.C., and formerly of Sarasota, Fla., peacefully went to be with his Heavenly Father and family on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, two days before his 91st birthday.

Allan was born in Kinniconick (Lewis County), Ky., on December 4, 1934, to Opal and John Stafford. He was the third of six children.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Telle; beloved daughter, Dr. Nanci Stafford, and his two grandchildren, Walker Burt (Marisa) and Maddee Burt. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Wireman of Ohio, and his brother, Ed Stafford (Shari), also of Ohio, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Allan was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Berta and Carol; and his brother, Art (Janet).

Stationed in Korea, Allan proudly served two years in the United States Army. Following his service, he built a successful career as a masonry contractor in Sarasota, working for 20 years, and later founded Stafford Masonry, which he owned and operated for 15 years. He was an avid sailor who loved both sailing and racing sailboats, and he enjoyed following NASCAR throughout his life. He was a member of West United Methodist Church, and in 1974, he was awarded a Kentucky Colonel by the University of Kentucky Agricultural Department.

Committal services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the National VA Cemetery in Salisbury, N.C., with full military honors. A Celebration of Life will be held following the service at Gatherings in Statesville, N.C., at 232 Signal Hill Drive from 1 until 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House, 1325 Mecklenburg Hwy., Mooresville, NC 28115 or Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Arrangements for Mr. Stafford are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.