Thomas H. “Tom” Stanford, 86, was born in Loretto, TN, on March 31, 1940, and passed away on September 9, 2026. He was the son of the late Chester and Sibble Matthews Stanford.
Tom worked many jobs in his younger years. He mowed lawns, drove a truck for Ralph Passarella as he put in telephone poles for the Loretto Telephone Company, worked at Osborn Funeral Home in Loretto, and after graduating from Loretto High School in 1958, he began working at Murray Ohio. In the early 1960s, he joined the Alabama National Guard and returned to work at Murray after active duty. After 44 years of service with Murray, he retired as a Tool Room Supervisor on July 31, 2002. His work ethic throughout his life was unmatched. He survived a heart attack in 1996 and walked every day, missing only four or five days up until recently. He was very disciplined with walking and maintaining a healthy diet. He was a dedicated Christian who firmly believed in God’s word, lived a humble life, and never sought the spotlight. Tom was a member of Leoma Church of Christ and loved his church family. He was married to Gail Smith Stanford on April 2, 1971, and was devoted to her for 55+ years.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Stanford; his sister, Carolyn Stanford Odem; and his brother, Joe Stanford. He is also survived by several nieces; nephews; and many good friends.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Jean Stanford; a brother, C.H. Adams; his father-in-law, T.L. Smith, Jr.; and his mother-in-law, Norma Belew Smith.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, September 11, 2026, at Neal Funeral Home, followed by visitation on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Leoma Church of Christ. Funeral services will be conducted at Leoma Church of Christ at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 12, 2026, with Rodney Livingston officiating. The family suggests memorials be made to the American Heart Association.
