Paul Murphy
Tribute to Mr. Ted Safford
Ted and Mabel Safford came into my life during the 1970’s when I was pastor of my first church in Longwood, Florida. Ted had retired and they moved to Florida. He and Mabel joined our church and immediately became active.
I could not have asked for a more supportive, kind, and caring couple to help grow our church. I often sought out Ted’s input about church matters and he always gave me good advice. My golf skills were not very well developed, but Ted frequently took me out to the course where he was a member and patiently let me play with him and his buddies.
He and Mabel treated my wife and I as family and this was important to us because we lived far from our parents. Ted enjoyed teasing my wife and would always try to sneak a hug when she was around. She acted embarrassed but I don’t think she minded all that much. Ted was a good “substitute” dad for us both.
Ted will be missed by all of us who loved him, but he will never be forgotten. He made all of our lives brighter and more meaningful by his demonstrating the Biblical principle, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you”.
Paul Murphy
