REIDSVILLE — Grady Johnson Stafford, "Coach Stafford," 81, of Reidsville, N.C. passed away Sunday July 1, 2012 at Morehead Memorial Hospital.
Memorial services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday July 6, 2012 at Covington Memorial Wesleyan Church. Burial will be at a later date in Speedwell Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
A native of Rockingham County, He was a son of the late John Herman and Ada Blum Wetmore and had lived in Rockingham County most of his life. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he attended Appalachian State University and graduated with a BS degree in Social Studies and Physical Education. He also took graduate classes at Elon College in Child Abnormal Psychology. In 1959, Coach began his teaching career at Elliot Duncan School in Mayodan, NC. He later transferred to Madison Mayodan High School in 1960. In 1961, he began his long career at Wentworth High School where he continued to teach social studies and physical education, became Athletic Director and coached Boy's Baseball and Basketball teams. In 1976 Wentworth High School won its first state championship in boy's basketball. In 1981 "Coach" transferred to Stoneville High School to teach and coach the boy's basketball team. In 1983, Stoneville High School; won its first state championship in basketball, his son Joey played on that team. In 1986, "Coach" transferred to Rockingham County High School. In 1986, "Coach" officially retired from the school system, but remained active in the community assisting the Reidsville High School and Rockingham County Senior High athletic programs. Grady was also an active member of American Legion Post #79, the Reidsville Elks Lodge # 1723 B.P. O.E., North Carolina Coaches Association and the North Carolina Retired Teachers Association. He was preceded in death by brothers: Dr. Ivan Stafford, Ben K. Wetmore, Herman Wetmore, John Wetmore and a sister: Juanita Shepard.
Surviving: Daughters: Janice Stafford of Berkeley, CA, Jennifer Stafford of San Leandro, CA, sons: Jay Stafford of San Francisco, CA, and Joey Stafford and wife Kathleen of Orlando, FL, grandchildren: Shea Page, Jasmine Crews, Jordan Stafford, Kevin Stafford, great grandchildren: Cody Kangas, Carter Kangas, Giovanni Arias, and Audrey Page, sisters: Mildred Daly of Davie, FL, Nina Daly of Grand Rapids, Mi, and Elizabeth White of Reidsville, NC
The family will see friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall of Covington Memorial Wesleyan Church.
In Lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorials be made to: The Stafford-Wall Scholarship c/o Rockingham County High School 180 High School Rd. Reidsville, N.C, 27320.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.cittyfh.com
