Fred Levoyed Stafford
Fred Levoyed Stafford, 79, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, surrounded by his family and lots of love.
Fred was born on March 6, 1946, in Ooltewah, to the late Bill and Ruby (Crumley) Stafford. He graduated from Ooltewah High School in 1964 and then attended Brooklyn College in Brooklyn, N.Y. Fred received an Associate of Science degree with honors from Cleveland State Community College. He would go on to serve three years in the United States Army serving from 1967 to 1970. He served with the First Calvary Division in Vietnam 67-68.
Fred was very active and involved in offices and clubs. He worked two years as a deputy sheriff with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department and would go on to work 29 years as a Chattanooga Police officer, retiring Dec. 27, 2001, with the rank of Captain. He was a charter member of the Toastmasters of Chattanooga Police Department and served as the first president and was life member of the Fraternal Order of Police as well as a Member of the International Association of Chief’s of Police, Police Benevolent Association and the Fraternal Order of Eagle’s #945.Fred joined the American Legion Post 95 in 1996, served at 1st Vice Commander and Membership Chairman in 1999, served as Commander for the years 2001-2002, served as House Manager 2004-2005 and was on the Honor Guard. He was a member of the 40/8, helped form the American Legion Riders and was the first president. Fred was a member of V.F.W. 4848 and V.F.W. 1289. Fred was a member of The Sons of Confederate Veteran, a member of the NRA and the Sierra Club.
Only to add to his accomplishments, Fred served as Treasurer, Vice President and Chairman of the IDD Committee with the Brainerd Kiwanis Club. He was also a Master Mason, member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Alhambra Shrine. He held many numerous offices within the Shrine, including Director General, Entertainment Chairman, Housing Chairman and many others. Fred was a member of the Director’s Staff and is a member of the Royal Order of Jesters and served as Director in 2009.
Fred attended Graceworks Church and was a member of the “just folks” small group.
Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 30 years, Jeanie Stafford and his parents.
He is survived by his “Baby Girl” Jodi Hankins (Bud), three children he loved like his own, Jamie Huddleston (Scott), Michael Pendygratt (Stacey), Kelly Stephens (Lamar) and several grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he adored and his best friend Ruth Vincent.
Funeral services for Fred will be held at noon on Thursday, Aug. 21, at Heritage Funeral Home East Brainerd Road Chapel with Pastor Bill Owens officiating. He will be laid to rest at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. after service.
The family will receive friends from 10-12 p.m. prior to service.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Fred’s name to “The Wounded Warrior” foundation or “The Tunnel to Towers”
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.