Bobby “Bob” Loyd Stafford, M.D.

Bob Stafford
Bob Stafford

Bobby Loyd Stafford, MD, age 82, of Amarillo, TX, died February 19, 2020 surrounded by his family. Born September 13, 1937 in Matador, TX, he was the oldest son of the late Loyd Wesley Stafford and Tommie (Berryman) Stafford.

A philanthropist, a Red Raider and an Orthopedic Surgeon in Amarillo for nearly thirty years, Bob was well-respected in his multiple roles. He was the “reddest” of all Red Raiders, as a dear friend once labeled him. He took great pride in the multiple boards he represented at Texas Tech University. Most importantly, his role as a Texas Tech Board of Regent. From the time that he graduated from undergraduate school at Texas Tech, to the day he passed, he continued to support his beloved university. His contributions and input were well respected.

During his time at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, he served in the Army National Guard, 49th Division, 72nd Brigade and had achieved the rank of Captain at the end of his military service in 1970.

Bob had many hobbies that included ranching, golfing and watching Texas Tech sports. His most important hobby was ranching. Taking great pride in carrying on what was so dear to his parents, he converted his family’s farmland to ranchland in the early 1980’s. He spent years growing his cattle herd and enjoying his time on the ranch.

As a dedicated surgeon, Bob leaves a legacy in the world of Orthopedics. He pioneered scoliosis surgery in Amarillo in 1971. He has a successful record in operating on over 3500 total joints in his 30-year career. As Chief of Staff, Bob led the way in the merger of St. Anthony’s Hospital and High Plains Baptist Hospital in 1989, today known as (BSA) Baptist St. Anthony’s Hospital. He served on the boards of both BSA and St. Anthony’s and was Chief of Staff several times.

Among his many accolades and achievements:

Member of Phi Delta Theta, Texas Tech University                       1955-1958

 Active alumnae of Phi Delta Theta                                         1958-2020

Chapter President, Phi Rho Sigma Medical Fraternity                 1964-1965

Secretary, Medical Staff, High Plains Baptist Hospital                 1974

Secretary, Medical Staff, St. Anthony’s Hospital                            1975

Treasurer, Texas Society of Athletic Team Physicians                   1975

President, Medical Staff, St. Anthony’s Hospital                            1977

Member, Regional Admissions Committee, American

Academy of Orthopedic Surgery                                            1983-1989

Member, Board of Trustees, Amarillo Country Club                    1984-1987

Member, Foundation Board, Clarendon Community College   1992-1995

President, Medical Staff, St. Anthony’s Hospital                             1993

Member, Board of Trustees, St. Anthony’s Hospital                      1992-1996

Member, Board of Trustees, Baptist St. Anthony’s Hospital    1996-1998

Amarillo Chairman, Texas Tech Horizon Campaign                        1999-2002

Republican Precinct Chairman, Precinct 124, Potter Co.            2000-2006

Baptist St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation Board                          2000-2003

Member Amarillo Steering Committee, Perry for Governor     2002 and 2006

Member, Chancellor’s Council, Texas Tech System                       1999-Present

Member, Texas Tech System Board of Regents                               2004-2009

Chairman, Audit Committee, Texas Tech Board of Regents      2005-2007

Chairman, Carr Foundation Board, Angelo State University      2007-2009

Chairman, Search Committee, Texas Tech

Health Science Center President                                            2007

Chairman, Search Committee, Texas Tech President                   2008

Member, Search Committee, Texas Tech System

Investment Officer                                                                        2008

Member, Amarillo Community Health Advisory Committee     2008

Chairman, Search Committee, Texas Tech VP for Research      2008

Member, Laura Bush Institute for Women’s Health Board        2008

Member, National Institute for Renewable Energy,

Texas Tech Board                                                                            2012-2015

Chairman, Amarillo Hospital District Board of Managers           2012-2015

Texas Tech Athletic Council                                                                      2011-2020

Chairman, Craig Senior Living Cottage Association                       2016-2018

 

Bob was a mentor, a father to three children, and granddad to six grandchildren. He set examples and rules for his family. The two rules that he felt were most important he lived by and expected the same from all: 1. Always be honest 2. Always use your manners. He was the type of man that planned and followed through with everything he did. He never left anything undone.

While this is the end to a truly extraordinary life, it is not the end of his legacy. Bob will live in all of us in the ways he impacted us, as well as in our hearts, minds and souls.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Diana Stafford, and their three children, Greg Stafford of Amarillo, Gwen and husband, Kelly Neal of Amarillo, and Cheryl Clinch of Frisco, Texas. Six grandchildren; Caden Edwards, Lauren Clinch, Audrey Clinch, Carter Stafford, Jay Stafford and Tom Stafford. A brother, Richard Stafford, and a sister Shirley Gilliam, and many loving nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Memorial services for Dr. Bob Stafford will be on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 2:30 pm at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on 1601 Georgia St., Amarillo, Texas, 79102. Burial will be private. We invite friends to visit with the family after the memorial service at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, BSA Hospice of the Southwest, or the Texas Tech Foundation.

21 Replies to “Bobby “Bob” Loyd Stafford, M.D.”

  1. Dr. Stafford was one of my greatest supporters when I was interested in becoming a physician. He allowed me to shadow him with patients and I worked with him in the OR as a surgical tech. He wrote letters of recommendation for me to medical school. He always had a kind, supportive word while I was in residency and never chastised me for going into anesthesia instead of orthopedics.!While in practice, he was always the interesting colleague. After he retired, he never hesitated to ask how my practice was going. Bob Stafford was just a really good guy and will be sorely missed.

  2. As soon as I met Dr. Stafford I could tell he was a man of Honor, Trust, and Integrity. He is the definition of Ethical. He helped mold my adult life and my professional career in a way that I will cherish forever. I had the dual pleasure of working with him in the operating room and also discussing many aspects of our mutual love of farming and ranching. He will be missed but his legacy will carry on through many. Rest in Peace Bob.

  3. While not closely associated with Dr Bob, we are second cousins and his grandfather was my favorite Uncle and a long time Motley County Commissioner. Dr Bob had strong ties and caring for family! I will always be greatful to Dr Bob for caring for my parents at St Anthony’s ! Gods peace and comfort to his family and well deserved rest in Heaven!

  4. Hey, Bob. Remember the guy who talked to his glassware in Dr. Dennis’s organic chemistry class. That must have been, what, summer 1961 ? Hot. No air conditioning. Tech finally allowed men to wear Bermuda shorts to class, but not the women.
    Spring, 1971. Remember you said “move to Amarillo, we need some anesthesia”. Remember that total hip, the first one done at the Baptist H. Big operation. How many since then? There are a few hundred other things I could mention, but who is counting?
    Clinton Arthur

  5. Bob and I were Phi Delta Theta pledge brothers in the Spring 1957. He was always positive about everything he did. We stayed in touch throughout the years and he contacted me when I was in terrible back pain and recommended Dr. Michael LaGrone in Amarillo. A great choice! He had a servant’s heart and his service and loyalty to Texas Tech University is unmatched. Rest in Peace Bob.

  6. Bob was my second cousin. He did knee surgery on my father and hip surgery on my mom, Bill and Emily Berryman. My Dad and Bob’s Daddy Tom were brothers. He was a very nice guy and a great surgeon.
    Pansy Marsh Wages

  7. Bob’s death is devastating news for Texas Tech. When I joined the Tech Board, Bob made me feel so welcomed as he offered to help me in any way he could. I quickly grew to rely upon Bob’s wise counsel, which I knew emanated from his deep love for his alma mater. Texas Tech is a better institution because of Bob’s service. We’ll all miss him. “Guns Up” my dear friend. Jerry

  8. Stories were abounding and the telling of each , skilled. Bob remembered much but only related the humorous and never at a persons cost. Excellent surgeon and kinder human being! I was fortunate to know him. Chuck Seward

  9. I knew Dr. Stafford from the days on 5A at St Anthonys He was a wonderful surgeon and a great man….RIP Dr. Bob…you will be missed….Carole Hulen

  10. I am so glad I saw him last month at a Texas Tech basketball game in Lubbock. He recognized me first on the elevator as I was going to the balcony to my media seat. What a great man and loyal Red Raiders. Guns up in his honor!

  11. I knew Bob at Texas Tech and during our orthopedic residency at Parkland Hospital. I finished in 1968 and opened a solo practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bob finished in 1970 and went to Amarillo. It was always a joy and comfort having Bob on a service with me.
    He always brought smiles to those around him. And, he usually shared an entertaining story about whatever. I was fortunate to have a couple of extended phone conversations with Bob last year. He always cheered me up. He excelled in everything he pursued and always set the best of examples.
    I am disappointed that I cannot personally attend the services.
    However, I will be there in heart.

    Bill Jones

  12. A life well lived.. outstanding husband, father and surgeon. Bob and I were residents at Parkland together learned the craft from our mentor Charles Gregory. Am sure Dr. Gregory has welcome him to his heavenly home. Bob was the true gentleman that we all should aspire to be.

  13. I feel honored to have known this man and his family in Matador, Texas, where we grew up. What an extraordinary life indeed Bobby had! What wonderful contributions to our world! In memory and love to his family, Donna Williams Nelson

  14. I knew Bob in a number of contexts, but especially in our shared love for Texas Tech. He was unanimously respected by the individuals that served with him on the Board of Regents. But even after his term on the Board ended, he continued to serve the university, serving on important committees and always being supportive. We will miss him.

  15. Very few men have had the personal impact on me that Dr Stafford did. His advice was both reasoned and heartfelt. He changed my life and I will always be in his debt. He shall remain a forever hero. Rest well my good friend.

  16. Wonderful man and surgeon. He performed my first two knee surgeries after basketball injuries. We saw him so much that my mom took him loaves of homemade bread. May God give your family peace and comfort.
    Thank you Dr Stafford; may you Rest In Peace.

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