Bryce Taggart Stanfield

Bryce Taggart Stanfield passed away on February 9, 2024, surrounded by his family and his Furman family. Born on September 19, 2002, in Newnan, Georgia, he was the only child of Fred and Teri Stanfield.

Bryce, a junior health sciences major, at Furman University, was a defensive tackle on the Furman Paladins football team. Bryce was an outstanding role model, a friend to all, an exceptional student, a great football player and all around wonderful human being.

Bryce excelled in the classroom and had aspirations for dental school after Furman. He equally shined on the football field and was beloved by his family, friends, teammates, and coaches. He loved engaging local youth by serving in Heller’s Men of Distinction, reading to children in local schools and visiting pediatric patients at the Greenville Childrens Hospital. Furman President, Dr. Elizabeth Davis, conferred Bryce’s Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences, magna cum laude, during a private ceremony attended by family, football teammates and coaches.

A three-year letterman for the Paladins, Bryce #97, played in all thirteen games of the Paladins’ 10-3 season that included a SoCon championship, eight consecutive victories and FCS quarter final round playoff appearance. Bryce was a key contributor on a Paladin defense that topped the SoCon in virtually every statistical category. Bryce’s significant honors and achievements include College Sports Communicators NCAA Division I Academic All-District Team in 2022 and 2023, SoCon All-Academic Team in 2022 and 2023, SoCon Commissioner’s Medal in 2022 and 2023, SoCon All-Freshman Team in 2021, and Phil Steele Freshman All-America Team in 2021. Bryce confidently chose to be a Furman Paladin among 26 Division I football scholarship offers.

Bryce was a 2021 honor graduate of Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. During his time at Harrison, he was a leader in the classroom and on the football field. Bryce played defensive line and tight end for the Hoyas. A four-year letterman, Bryce #85 was elected team captain for the 2020 squad that advanced to the Sweet 16 round of 7A playoffs. He was a key contributor to the Hoyas’ 15-0 state championship run in 2019. Bryce was a two-time All-Region 6-6A pick as a defensive lineman, first team All-Metro, and first team All-County. Bryce was awarded Lifter of the Year and Highest GPA Scholar athlete. Bryce excelled in track and field specializing in shotput and discus. In high school Bryce took a stand to protect the dreams of teens in his community by participating in the Power of Peace Project. POPP teaches teens how to break unhealthy habits and replace them with the skills and perspective needed to exceed their goals. Bryce was recognized by POPP with its highest honor, the All Heart Award.

Bryce Stanfield was known for his “mega-watt” smile and as someone who “lifted up the room when he was there.” Bryce was a beautiful soul, a loving son, loyal friend, tremendous teammate, and great student. He was “ELITE” and “UNCOMMON”. He will be dearly missed but will be remembered in our hearts forever.

Bryce is survived by his loving parents, Fred and Teri Stanfield; grandfather, Earl Smith; best friend and brother by choice, Bridger Tomberlin; chosen family, Lisa, Jeff and Peyton Tomberlin and April, Paul and Gabriel Richman; uncles and aunts, Frank and Melody Stanfield, Melvin and Shelli Jackson, MaryAnn and Dr. Erick Kimmerling, Judie and Barry Buell, Tom and Donna Roach, and Butch and Margaret Buice; cousins, Stacy and Darren Porter, Chad Stanfield, Stephanie and Curtis Cornett, Kaden and Ryder Porter, Carly Rue and Camryn Cornett; and his beloved cats, Jet and Salem.

Bryce was predeceased by grandmothers, Linda Smith and Frances Stanfield, and grandfather, Frank Stanfield.

A gathering of friends and family will take place on Monday, February 12, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, 639 North Main Street, Greenville, SC, 29601. Everyone is encouraged to wear Furman gear to support Bryce’s love for the Paladins.

Services in Georgia will take place on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church, 5145 Due West Road, Powder Springs, GA 30127. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m. The dress is casual, and everyone is encouraged to wear Furman or Hoya gear in support of Bryce’s love for Furman and Harrison football.

Teri and Fred would appreciate it if you would consider writing down your favorite memory of Bryce to share with them. You may bring your own or cards will be available at visitation in both Greenville and Powder Springs. They also asked that anyone who has pictures or videos of Bryce, please text them to Bryce’s cell phone so they can treasure them forever.

A memorial service will take place at a later date on the Furman University campus.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bryce’s memory to the Furman University Football program by visiting https://alumni.furman.edu/football.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Bryce with the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” below.

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