Michael Stafford

Mr. Michael "Mike" Stafford, 56, of Biloxi, MS, passed away Thursday, January 15, 2009, in Biloxi. Mike was a 1970 graduate of Biloxi High School where he was a member of the state championship baseball team. In 1971 he was a member of the Perk Bulldog State Junior College Baseball team. Mike was an accomplished fisherman, bowler and golfer. In his earlier years he was, at one time, the Junior Golf Champion at Sunkist Country Club. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Pisarich Stafford and Eddy E. Stafford, Jr.. He is survived by his brother, Tim (Sue) Stafford; sister, Susan (Lyndell) Lepre; and nephews, Scott Stafford, Mark Stafford, David Stafford, Lyn Lepre and Brian Lepre. The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Pavlov for his compassionate care given to Mike. We sincerely appreciate the care shown by the ICU nurses at Biloxi Regional Hospital and the surgeons and staff of Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. Special thanks to all the employees of Harrison County for their help and prayers during Mike's illness. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2009, at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi, where friends may visit one hour before service time. A private burial service will be held at a later time. Mike had requested that donations in his memory be made to Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge, 2609 River Road, New Orleans, LA 70121. The Hope Lodge is operated by the American Cancer Society and provides lodging for cancer patients and their families.