Thomas Raye Hartford

Thomas Raye Hartford, age 78, of Biloxi, MS, passed away Friday, March 6, 2020, in Biloxi. Mr. Hartford was born in Corbin, KY and had been a longtime resident of the MS Gulf Coast. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Abilene Christian College and he was a retired U. S. Air Force Veteran with 22 years of service including three tours of Vietnam. He was formerly employed with the University of Texas in the engineering department for 10 years and he also worked nineteen years with the State of Florida as bureau chief of animal industry. Thomas was an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He was an exemplary father who cherished his wife and children. The legacy of his work ethics and family dedication will live on through the example he set for those who loved him. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Hartford and Mary Carpenter; his son William Arlin Bynum; and his brother, Larry Hartford. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Deanna Hartford; two daughters, Cindy (Landon) Sturdivant and Lorrie (Steve Doucet) McCampbell; his son Cecil (Teresa) Bynum; grandchildren, Justin (Jenny) Williams, Aarika (Matthew) Ellsworth and Austin (Molly) Bynum; and his great-grandchildren, Elara Bynum, Xavier and Katija Williams. Thomas is also survived by his sisters, Mary Joyce Melton and Anna DeBoard, and two brothers, Eddie Hartford and David Hartford. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials be made to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Chapter 2434, 1644 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531. The family wishes to acknowledge their appreciation for the care and attention provided Thomas by the staff and administration of the Biloxi V A Medical Center. Visitation will be held Saturday, March 21, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 2511 Pass Road in Biloxi. A Celebration of Life will be held following the visitation at the residence of Thomas and Deanna Hartford.