Zack Manuel Stafford, age 79, of Hickory, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Zack was born on February 16, 1946 in Caldwell County, North Carolina to the late Berlie and Exie Stafford.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Watson Stafford of Hickory, North Carolina; daughter-in-law, Pamela Jeneal Stafford of Wilkesboro, North Carolina; brother, Zane Stafford of Shelby, North Carolina; sister, Linda Bowman of Bethlehem, North Carolina; and sister-in-law, Judy Stafford of South Carolina.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sons, Brian Stafford of Hickory, North Carolina and Kevin Stafford (Christina) of Granite Falls, North Carolina; brother, Max Stafford of South Carolina; sister, Judy McCrary of Granite Falls, North Carolina; grandchild, Evan Stafford (Brenda Watts Stafford) of South Carolina; step-grandchildren, Sarah Cogdell (Hunter) of Hudson, North Carolina and Kaelyn Crisco (Dalton) of Hildebran, North Carolina; step great grandchildren, Chance Hall of South Carolina, Mackenzie Cogdell of Hudson, North Carolina, and Raelynn Cogdell of Hudson, North Carolina; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Zack was a veteran of the United States Army, where he served his country proudly in the Vietnam War. Zack loved his family. He was a care taker to his wife of 56 years, Barbara. He adored his grandchild, Evan and would show photos of him to anyone who would look at them. Zack raised his children in church. He was of the Baptist faith, and his children continued his work in church as they grew. He was proud of his Lord, his country, and his family. He will be dearly missed.

A funeral service to honor the life of Zack Stafford will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 2:00PM at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Mark Barlow, Reverend Brady Adkins, and Reverend Brian Stafford officiating.

The family will receive visitors at the funeral home one hour prior to the service from 1:00PM until 2:00PM.

Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.

Serving as pallbearers will be John McCrary, Darren McCrary, Cary Bowman, Aaron Taylor, Wesley Taylor, and Evan Stafford.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.