Over the fifty years Mr. Stafford lived in Tift County, he left an indelible mark on the history of the county. The proximity of Interstate Highway I-75 around Tifton and the development of the business community were but two of his contributions to the county. Still, he wanted to leave something behind that would continue to serve the Tift area after he was gone. He took the things that he treasured and brought them together to form a continuing gift to Tifton. In 1996, DeNean and Boo Stafford created the Stafford Foundation to support and benefit Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Foundation, Inc. and other charitable organizations in the Tift County area.
The Stafford Foundation provided financial support to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, in appreciation of the opportunities they provide for the young people in the community, as well as the financial strength they bring to the area. The Foundation also makes finances available to bring music and the arts to Tifton, giving the residents of South Georgia opportunities to enjoy the art and cultural opportunities that are available in larger cities.