Mr. Isaiah “Ike” Saffold, 63, formerly of Gordon, AL, passed away in Tampa, FL on Wednesday, January 22nd.
Funeral service was held 1 p.m. Saturday February 1st at St. John Baptist Church located 5529 Alabama Hwy 95 Gordon, Alabama 36343. Interment followed in the church cemetery with Military Honors and with McKinnie Funeral Home of Campbellton, FL directing.
Mr. Isaiah “Ike” Saffold commenced life on September 1, 1956 in Bascom, Florida being born to the late Mr. Dennis & Mrs. Versie L. Saffold.
At an early age, he showed great interest & talent in the area of football—even going as far as to join a football program where his talents could flourish and be recognized at Cottonwood High School in Cottonwood, AL. There, he would gain immense popularity even earning home coming “King” status one year. “Ike”, or “Scoffield”, as some would call him, had a natural warmth about him that children would often gravitate towards. Lots of his nephews & nieces would connect with his friendly, loving, playful demeanor. Some nieces & nephews recalled him being so strong & physically fit; he would lift them on one arm on his muscle & even nicknamed him “He-man”!
After football, Ike felt the call to serve, joining the U. S. Air Force serving dutifully in extremely difficult duties that required high intelligence. While serving, he traveled many countries all over Europe, ensuring that his family shared in that experience as well.
Isaiah was also very crafty with his hands—even winning 4H prizes for unique creations such as tractors made out of bottle caps, wire & other naturally-resourced items—even gaining notoriety in the news for his extremely rare talents. Some of his creations are preserved for posterity in many public places in parts of Tampa, Florida, where he resided.
A main motivation for him relocating to Tampa, FL after his retirement was his love for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His love & knowledge of sports is something that even rubbed off on Meekie.
His charisma, great personality, creativity, fashion sense, love for family, strength & friendliness, among other characteristics are truly some he passed along to LeToya (not to mention that “face” & “smile”)!
Ike loved his suits & fadoras & could even be seen wearing button down shirts and slacks while riding his tractor. Isaiah enjoyed attending Tampa Life Church under Pastor Tisdale.
He is preceded in death by: The late Mr. Dennis Saffold (father), Mrs. Versie Saffold (mother), (siblings): Ruthie Saffold-Chandler, Edward Scott, Hazel Ruth Saffold, Lonnie Saffold, and Dennis Saffold.
He leaves to cherish his memories: LeToya (New York, NY) & Amika. Siblings: Essie Saffold-Bryant (Wayne), Orlando, FL, King Solomon Saffold, Tampa, FL, DC Saffold, Atlanta, GA, Pat Washington, Childersburg, AL (niece), Kenny Saffold (nephew), Greenwood, FL, Carlos (Karri) Saffold, Jacksonville, FL (nephew), a devoted friend Sherry Smith and her children Tyler & Sarah and a host of other nieces, nephews & friends.
