Lyle Stafford

Lyle Stafford, of Maumelle, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was born in Memphis, Tenn. on July 30, 1926, and died May 1st at his home in Maumelle. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mr. & Mrs. Otis Lyle Stafford; a daughter Sharon; a son, Scott; a grandson Mark; and a great-grandson Noah. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Mary Ann; sons Tony (Jan); Bruce (Amy); Robert (Melinda); Mack (Amy); Mike (Tammy); and daughters Kathleen Branton (Nick) and Susan. He is the grandfather of 24 and the great-grandfather of nine. His grandchildren called him "Grumps." Lyle received his early education in Dumas, Arkansas, and was active in sports at Dumas High School, serving as captain and quarterback of the local football team. After high school graduation in 1944, he was drafted into the army and experienced combat in the Pacific in World War II. After the war was over, he served in the occupation forces in Japan. He received his Industrial Engineering education at Arkansas Tech, International Correspondence Schools, and Army Management Engineering Training Agency. He worked for the Department of Defense at Pine Bluff Arsenal in the Management Division, serving as Chief of Management Division, and retired after 41 years of service. Before retirement, he earned a brown belt in Judo and competed with his sons nationally. After retirement, he started running for exercise and competition. In 1990, 1991, and 1992, he won the Arkansas Senior Olympics in the 100, 200, and 400 meter races in his age division. One of the happiest times of his life was running at Camp Robinson with all his family on Saturday mornings. A member of Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church in Little Rock, he served as usher and Eucharistic Minister, was on the Parish Council and the RCIA Mystagogy Team. He also volunteered at Helping Hand and at the Attorney General's Office after retirement. Later in his life, he discovered an interest in writing, publishing two books, How to Play the Game: Little Known Facts About Football, and Back to Adam: A Pilgrimage Back in Time. He read the Holy Bible daily and loved to watch old war movies and sports events on the television as well as spend time with his large family. An avid Razorback football fan, all he wanted in life was to see another Razorback game. He was loved for his wry humor, his generosity, and his kindness to all. A Rosary Service will be conducted at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, 1003 North Tyler St. in Little Rock, on Sunday, May 5 at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, May 6 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Holy Souls Church; entombment will be in the church columbarium. Memorials may be made to Helping Hand of Little Rock, Our Lady of the Holy Souls Music Ministry, or Arkansas Hospice. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.