Dakota Ray Shuford, 7, of Smyrna, SC, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 8th at M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, 209 N. Main Street, Clover, SC.  A Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9th at the First United Methodist Church, 124 Bethel Street, Clover, SC with PawPaw Ray Shuford and Rev. Roger Shuford officiating.  Interment will be in the Smyrna Baptist Cemetery, 1613 McGill Highway, Smyrna, SC. 

Dakota was born March 1, 2018 in Rock Hill, SC to his loving parents, Dalton and Elizabeth Shuford. He was an upcoming 2nd grader and loved going to school whenever he was able. He never met a stranger and everyone was considered his friend.  He loved being outside riding his four-wheeler, go cart and tractor. He also loved to take care of the farm animals with his Pop since he was born.

Dakota was known for his love of first responders. From the moment he could talk, he knew exactly what he wanted to be – a Smyrna firefighter. He proudly wore the uniform and always loved talking to people about his Fire Department and all the fire trucks in his station.  He inspired everyone around him with his strength and smile and left a lasting impact on everyone who had the honor of knowing him.

Dakota loved going to church, and knew that he was going to meet Jesus. He asked about his mansion and the angels. Though his time on earth was short, his legacy is eternal. His bravery, his joy, and his love for the fire service will never be forgotten. Forever #DakotaStrong!

In addition to his parents, Dakota is survived by his sister Bailey Shuford; grandparents Gene & Marie Baird, Ray & Penny Shuford, and honorary pawpaw, Randall Ballard; great grandparents Junior “Pop” Wilson, Addie “MeMe” Baird, and Marlene “MawMaw” Shuford; aunt Jordan “JoJo” Cantrell and aunt Addison Carter (Colton); great aunts and uncles Rickey Wilson (Jane), Eddie Baird, Sheela Wilson, Rev. Roger Shuford (Patricia), Vicki Fox, and Donna White (Jerry); and many cousins and friends.

Dakota was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Barbara “MawMaw” Wilson, Linwood Baird, Rev. Sidney Shuford, and his great-uncle Kenneth Wilson.

Memorials may be made to Moped to Memphis, 1625 Hwy. 55E., Clover, SC 29710, Isabella Santos Foundation, 9935-D Rea Rd., Unit 275, Charlotte, NC 28277 www.isabellasantosfoundation.org, Smyrna Fire Department, 1052 S. Main Street, Smyrna, SC 29743, or Strong Like AK, PO Box 592, Lowell, NC 28098 www.stronglikeak.org.

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Clover, SC is serving the Shuford family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.