God said well done and opened His arms.  You are at Home and free. Until we meet again I am forever indebted to you a dear friend   Sandy Mayben Kopanski

Stewart was such a funny, lovely man.I knew him from Highland Cleaners, where he was a customer for many years. Stewart will be missed dearly. So sorry for your loss.

Stewart, it was upon your shoulders the Cumberland County Schools gifted program was built. Thank you for your ingenuity, talent, insight, and leadership! You were a great teacher and a leading advocate for the profession. Your influence changed the lives of so many of us!  Rest now, my friend! Thank you for my birthday wishes..the last time I heard from you on FB, just a few days before you left us.  How grateful I am for those spiraling balloons!

Stewart was a staunch advocate for public education.   As a former president of the North Carolina Association of Educators, Stewart's presidential term of office allowed the association to transition into a brand new office complex in Raleigh in 1979.   His leadership style in the new building became a model for the next 40 years.

Stewart loved teaching and loved his profession. He served teachers as NCAE President and he served them through the NC Teacher Academy. His legacy will be all the teachers who learned from him.  I offer my condolences to all his family and friends. He will be missed.

Stewart will be missed by many fellow educators, not only at his beloved Bowley Elementary School, but by all that were privileged to know and work with him in teaching and loving on children. Stewart was born to be in a school setting. He was always happy and fulfilled when he was surrounded by his students. His joy spilled over into the lives of those that he worked with and encountered on the job. Stewart was a colleague as well as a friend to us all.  Rest In peace, Charles Stewart Stafford.  Job Well Done!

Stewart was a true, dedicated educator and had a heart for children. He was a people person and thrived on helping students as well as adults in their learning process. Most importantly he was a caring, trusted, loyal and loving friend that was there for you when needed.  He will be greatly missed but his contributions to education will continue on in the many lives that he influenced.  Even through the difficulties of these past few years, his courage and faith kept him smiling. My family and I will always cherish your friendship and our times together.  We shall meet again!

My relationship with Stewart came via systemwide committees and FBAE.  His magnetic personality drew me to him as he always added humor and levity as we sought/worked to accomplish the assigned tasks.  He was an advocate for teachers and students and FBS as a unit. I'm so glad he lived a vibrant life right up to his passing - "liking" and commenting on FB until very near the end of his life.  I will remember him fondly - Heaven's gain...

Stewart, you were a friend and inspiration to so many. You will be greatly missed.  

Stewart was a great person with such a positive outlook and lots of energy.  It was a pleasure to work with him at Bowley.  He will be dearly remembered by all who knew him.

Stewart, my friend, mentor and encourager; I love you.  You helped me through tough personal times.  You encouraged me to grow and move my professional life forward.  I thank you for being there to work, laugh and talk  with me from our first day at FBS 8/13/83 until I really bloomed and moved to Guam in 2011.  Even after that there was Facebook and our short visits in Fayetteville.  Time and distance separated us but you were always on my heart and mind.  You were such a blessing not only to me but to all you met.  I thank God for bringing you into my life.  These words are not eloquent as I attempt to pen the love and sense of loss that exists in my heart but; it is not important because you aren't here to read them.  I love you and will never forget what you have done for me.

Stewart, what a great educator and friend. I loved that you always thought about me when you saw Polish Pottery in the Tuesday Morning advertisement. Rest easy my friend. You will be missed!

Stewart was a dedicated educator, who touched the lives of many many students and colleagues. He was always the first one to offer to help anyone who needed it. His encouragement and smile was appreciated by all. Rest in peace, my friend...

I am sorry to hear that Stewart passed away.  I so enjoyed working with him. Stewart was full of enthusiasm for his Bowley "family."He was friendly to all, and helped many newcomers fit in. Stewart inspired many young people and was loved by all.  RIP, S2.  We all feel your loss, but trust that you are greeting old friends and meeting new ones inside those pearly gates.

Stewart not only inspired young minds to reach higher but was an inspiration and friend to the school staff.  Rest in our Lord, Stewart,

Lynn Kelley, Former Bowley School Nurse

Sincere sympathy to the family of Stewart Stafford. Stewart was a friend to many and an outstanding educator who encouraged others and always had a smile.  Stewart made a difference in the lives of so many.

Stewart you were a bright spot for me when I'd go over to Bowley, always giving a word of encouragement & a smile.   You have affected so many adults and students over the years. Now you've earned your Rest In Peace.

The memories I have of Stewart still make me smile.  He was a large part of my Bowley Bobcat experience and continued to be a part of my life after I left.  He was always there to lend a hand or smile as needed.   He will be a part of my fond memories forever!

Stewart, your friendships and love is your legacy to Mac and me. We will always remember you and how kind and giving you are . Rest In Peace now , Oh Sweet Heaven is your home and the angels will have a grand old time keeping up with you !! Love you always husband , Zelma and Mac !!

Stewart my dear friend I will miss you. You were my friend, my brother my mentor my humorist and so much more. The stars will be brighter because heaven just got a brilliant new angel. PS.. last time I looked our tape was still on the ceiling at school just one last laugh for us Wizard.
~Linda

OBITUARY

Charles Stewart Stafford

August 25, 1939 – February 19, 2018

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