Cover photo for David Stafford's Obituary
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1935 David 2017

David Stafford

September 24, 1935 — June 24, 2017

David Todd Stafford, of Oak Ridge, TN, passed away on June 24th, 2017. Over the course of his 81 years, Dr. Stafford was a scientist, crime lab director, FBI Academy instructor, nuclear chemist, professor at the University of Tennessee, and forensic toxicologist for the coroner of Memphis, TN. He earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Louisville for chemical engineering and went on to earn his master's degree and followed that up with a PhD in chemistry with a major in Analytical/Physical Chemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. His professional career spanned more than 50 years in the forensic toxicology field.

He held positions with Eastman Kodak, Hewlett Packard, Union Carbide, the University of Tennessee, Shelby County, TN, the FBI, and for the last 15 years he was self-employed as a expert witness in forensic toxicology cases. He was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal in Oak Ridge, TN.

He was a founding board member of the Forensic Toxicologist Certification Board, Charter Member of the American Society of Crime Lab Directors, Adjunct Professor of the University of Virginia, Quantico, Professor Emeritus, Pathology Department at the University of Tennessee, Memphis and had written extensively on the forensic sciences.

He was an avid fisherman and camper, knowledgeable gardener, huge Willie Nelson fan, and enthusiastic supporter of Tennessee Volunteer football. Never a singer, yet he never shied away from belting out "Rocky Top" at many a UT game. His parents, Wesley and Gladys Stafford, of Louisville, KY, who instilled in him the value of hard work and education, have predeceased him. He follows his wife, G. Marian Stafford, and first daughter, Anne Alexandra Stafford, into eternity. He is survived by his second daughter, Amy Stafford Malik, her husband John, and his grandchildren Holly Renee and Tudor David Malik; also survived by his sisters Joy Schaefer (Jerry) of Louisville, KY and Christie Newland (John) of Grove City, Ohio. He is survived by his sister in law, Mary Louise Stout (widow of Walter). He is also survived by loving nieces and nephews, Mark Stout, Michael Stout, Tim Stout, Kyle Blackwell, Brian Blackwell, Hannah Mudd, Emily Davis, Andy Newland and Patrick Newland.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Saturday July 8, 2017 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Interment following in the St. Stephens Cremation Garden

Memorials may be made to St. Stephens Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.



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