Bishop Robert L. Stafford

Bishop Robert L. Stafford

Bishop Robert Lee Stafford was born January 27, 1935, in Whitehall, Arkansas to the late Fred and Matilda Stafford. Bishop Stafford was the ninth of fifteen children, and the first born of a set of twins. He departed from this life on June 11, 2016, under the care of the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He received his primary education in Whitehall, Arkansas. Bishop Stafford worked hard to provide for his family. He was employed by Powell Chevrolet dealership and J&R Concrete before becoming an entrepreneur. He ventured on and started his own company Robert’s Concrete Work. His business remained lucrative for over 35 years when he went into retirement.

At the age of 15 he accepted Christ, and by the age of 17 he began preaching the word of God. During this time he served as a Sunday school Superintendent and Youth Leader in the Church of God under the leadership of Elder Foster and Elder Collins. While attending church services in Pine Bluff, Arkansas he met Essie Bell Blake of Willisville, Arkansas. On June 18, 1961, they were united in Holy matrimony at St. James Church of God In Christ, by Elder Harris. To this union four children were born: Vanessa, Nathan, Beverly, and Robert.

He was ordained an Elder by Brother John H. Campbell. On January 1, 1967, he established Faith Temple Full Gospel Church in Harrisburg, Arkansas. In 1976, Elder Stafford became the Pastor of Eastside C.O.G.I.C. International in Jonesboro, Arkansas after the death of Bishop Thomas. Elder Stafford was ordained as Bishop of the Dioceses of Arkansas by the late Bishop Tony Clemons in 1984. He was appointed to the Executive Board of Bishops of the Church of God In Christ International in 2003, where he served until 2013.

Bishop Stafford was a father in the Gospel to many. Under his leadership several ministers were mentored into the ministry. He served his community by participating in several programs; such as, the MLK Committee and RESPECT program. Bishop Stafford loved people and was always willing to help anyone.