Thomas Dudley Stanford
May 1, 1948 – April 15, 2026

Thomas Dudley Stanford passed away peacefully with his wife and son by his side on April 15, 2026.  He was 77 years of age.

Tommy, also known as Dudley, was born in Dallas, Texas on May 1, 1948, to Thomas Edison Stanford and Marian "Tiny" Stanford.  Tommy grew up in Irving, Texas and moved to Lewisville when he was in the 9th grade.  Tommy graduated from Lewisville High School.  He went on to attend junior college for a few semesters.  This was during the Viet Nam war era.  Like many others, he did not keep up his school hours and received a draft notice.  In lieu of being drafted, Tommy joined the Navy and became a hospital corpsman.  Tommy was discharged from the military in 1971 returning to Lewisville and worked several different jobs, eventually working for the City of Lewisville reading water meters.  While with the City, he was approached by his brother-in-law, Butch Flanagan, who asked him if he was interested in joining the fire department as they were starting an ambulance service.  This proved to be just the niche for Thomas.

Tommy served the city of Lewisville Fire Department for 25 years from 1973 to 1998.  He was a well-respected leader, known for his fairness, consistency, hard work and integrity. During his career he saw the department grow from one fire station to five, helping guide Lewisville Fire Department through a period of tremendous growth. He was selected as one of the department's original Shift Commanders (Battalion Chiefs) when the position was created. Tommy made many lifelong friends during his career at LFD.

Tommy also worked several other jobs during his years with LFD and after his retirement.  He spent many years working at Porter Tire Company, working with his friend, Billy Ridinger.  He also spent time working at Northside Fence Supply and the Lewisville Feed Mill.  Tommy loved visiting with the customers and friends at both Porter's and the Feed Store.

He and Nancy were married on December 1, 1982, in Carrollton, TX.

"Dud" loved hunting, trucks, and re-building his project vehicles, including a 1937 Ford Pick-up and a ratrod.  Most of all he loved his wife and family. He referred to Nancy as the love of his life.

Tommy fought a long, nine-year battle with kidney cancer,  Tommy had a strong faith in the Lord.  He chose to enter hospice for his end of life journey because of his faith in Jesus.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Beverly Flanagan. He is survived by his wife Nancy, son Shawn and wife Jayme, daughter Kelley, four grandchildren,  three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, April 20th from 6 to 8 pm at Mulkey Mason in Lewisville. Services will be at Northview Baptist Church on Tuesday, April 21st at 11am with burial to follow at Rolling Oaks Memorial Center in Coppell.

The family wishes to express their thanks to current and retired members of the Lewisville Fire Department for their kindness and support.