‘He had a heart of gold’: The memories family will forever carry of Stafford Ferguson

There were tears, laughter and memories that only family could tell.

Inside the packed sanctuary of Kingdom Worship Center, loved ones gathered to mourn Stafford Ferguson but also to remember the man whose life touched so many before it was cut short.

As mourners stood to sing “Sing the Wondrous Love of Jesus,” the mood of celebration overcame grief in the room.

In an emotional moment, Jahreel Glinton, who described Stafford as a brother, stood to sing “How Do I Say Goodbye.” He shared that Stafford had been more than a friend.

“He was Superman to my children,” he said.

His brothers, Jamal and Kambrel Ferguson, painted the picture of a man who could light up a room with laughter.

“He had a heart of gold,” Jamal said. “He was mischievous. He was hardworking and always busy.”

Growing up, their mother raised four boys, but everyone knew Stafford was the one most likely to get into mischief.

“He was always getting into something that never made sense,” Jamal recalled with a smile. “But it never fazed him.”

Because of his height, many assumed he was older than he really was. To many, he naturally became someone others looked up to.

Those closest to him said humour was simply part of who he was. “To him, everything was a joke,” Jamal said. “He never meant to hurt your feelings. If you took it hard, you took it hard.”

But Stafford was a man deeply committed to his work and the people who depended on him.

Known for his skills as a mechanic, Stafford took pride in satisfying every customer who trusted him.

“My brother was beyond loved,” Jamal said. “And he will be missed.”

But perhaps the role Stafford treasured most was being a father. He leaves behind four children.

His family said he patiently taught them the ins and outs of mechanics, passing on lessons they hope will stay with them forever.

For Kambrel, Stafford was an older brother and the one who helped him buy his first car.

He could always call on him, even teaching him how to tie a necktie.

They shared unforgettable memories, including attending the Best of the Best concert together.

“I was always trying to get him to come to church,” Kambrel said.

“He’ll always have my heart.”

As the family reflected on the memories they shared, Jamal, fighting back tears, revealed the one regret that now weighs heavily on him.

“What bothered me most is I never told him I loved him as much,” he said. Seeing his brother laid out after his death changed everything. “When I saw him on the table, I said, ‘Stafford, I love you.'”

Those words echoed a painful reminder of how quickly life can change and how often love is unspoken.

Police said Ferguson was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds beside his vehicle outside a business establishment in Hunters last month. Investigators said he was walking toward his vehicle when he was approached by a lone gunman who opened fire before fleeing the scene. Ferguson later died in hospital from his injuries.