WILMINGTON, NC ~ Daniel Paul Stafford, age 31, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at his home. He was born March 28, 1990, in Pineville, NC, the son of Billy Stafford and Paula McKinney Abrams. Daniel attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he studied music.

Daniel was a gentle, kind soul. He was smart, funny, and talented – most notably, as a brilliant musician and could play a wide array of instruments. Daniel had great style and a sense of fashion, especially when it came to his clothes and his shoes.  Daniel also loved to be outdoors – whether it was the mountains or ocean – and enjoyed hiking and kayaking when he could. He loved animals, and was fond of many of his friends' pets.  Daniel was an amazing son, brother, and friend who was loved and cherished by many. He had a large group of friends spanning from middle school to his current life that he stayed in contact with over the years; he loved each one of them as family.

Daniel is survived by his mother, Paula McKinney Abrams, of Charlotte, NC; his father, Billy Stafford, of Snow Hill, NC; his brother, Cooper Abrams, of Charlotte, NC. Daniel had an extended family that included his grandparents: Bob and Susan Salvin, Scooter Abrams and his aunt and uncle, Kristin and Terry White, all from Charlotte, NC.

Daniel is survived by his paternal grandmother, Brenda Alban. Daniel was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Paul and Ellen McKinney, and his grandfather, Don Alban.

A Celebration of Daniel's Life and a Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Colonel Francis Beaty Park, 4330 Weddington Road, Matthews, NC 28105, by Pastor Scott Suskovic. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, one hour prior to the service, at Colonel Francis Beaty Park.