Memorial Service for Don Thomas Stanford, 82 of Decatur will be Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 1:00PM at Central Baptist Church with Bro. Mike Dawson, Bro. Bryan Blass, and Bro. Phil Waldrep. Visitation will be Tuesday from 11:00AM- 1:00PM at the Church. He passed away Friday, July 12, 2024 at his residence. Don Stanford was born in Decatur, AL (1941) and lived his entire life. Don married his bride, Carolyn McAlister in 1966. Don was loved by his family, church, and Community. He served the Community as the Post Master in Danville and Trinity, AL. an Athletic official, Mayor of Decatur, and worked in the church nursery for over 20 years. Don’s sports officiating career spanned 50 years. He officiated 50 Alabama High School Athletic Association state finals in basketball and state finals in football. His officiating career included basketball, softball, football, track, and volleyball on the high school and college level. He officiated Amateur Softball Association games for 35 years and Dixie Youth Baseball for 12 years. He had a warm smile and huge laugh that brightened the room. He loved to hunt and fish especially with his boys. He loved the Lord and followed Him faithfully. If he knew you, he loved you; But if he teased you, he loved you a lot. He was inducted in the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame and the Alabama Officials Sports Hall of Fame, but his greatest claim to fame was the way he loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and his joy-filled life.
Survivors include:
Wife-Carolyn McAlister Stanford
2 Sons-Chris Stanford (Carol Dawson Stanford)
Patrick Stanford (Heather Freeman Stanford)
8 Grandchildren-Mary Kathryn Acton (Avery), Colby Stanford, Kate Stanford, Carter Stanford, Karoline Stanford, Jackson Breedlove, Collin Breedlove, Arden Breedlove.
Peck Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In Lieu of flowers please donations to the Children’s Ministry of Central Baptist Church.
