Carl David Stafford

Carl David Stafford, age 76, of Taylorsville, passed away on September 19, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Catawba County. Born on March 26, 1950, in Washington, DC, Carl was a man with a big heart who loved talking to people and never met a stranger. He was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church, and his life was marked by a deep enjoyment of the people, pastimes, and work that meant the most to him.

Carl loved riding horses, camping, and running his tack shop on the farm with his wife. He enjoyed trading horses and was known for wheeling and dealing on almost anything. He also loved hunting, fishing, and running the roads in his tractor trailer, The Smokestack Express. Along the way, he found great enjoyment in collecting hot rods. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family and friends, and those who knew him will remember his warm spirit, his gift for conversation, and the easy way he welcomed others into his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arl and Rosie Carrigan Stafford; his wife of 47 years, Wanda Stafford; and his sister, Brenda Stafford Isaac.

Carl is survived by his children, Stacy Harrington and wife, Treva, and Isreal Harrington and wife, Angie, and Chasitity Stafford. He is also survived by his brothers, Richey Stafford and wife, Carmella, and Brian Stafford and wife, Mary Beth; and by his sisters, Linda Stafford Jones and husband, Butch, Debbie Holland, and Diane Botto and husband, John. His family also includes his grandchildren, Sage Harrington Cook and husband, Justin, Gracie Harrington, Skylar Harrington, Hallie Harrington, Mcartney Harrington, and Jacob Wilson, as well as his great-grandson, Cayson Cook. He will be remembered with love by all who shared in his life and friendship.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, 4710 All Healing Springs Road, Township of Taylorsville, NC 28681. The funeral service will be Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Poplar Springs Baptist Church at 3:00 pm. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Cody Bullman will officiate. Justin Cook, Dawson Elder, Skylar Harrington, Shannon Oxentine, Derek Jones, and Jacob Wilson will serve as pallbearers.

Military rites will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Poplar Springs Baptist Church, 4710 All Healing Springs Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681.

Carl will be dearly missed and remembered for his kindness, his hardworking spirit, and the many conversations, stories, and moments he shared with those he loved.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com