Gary Lynn Thedford

A Celebration Service for Gary Lynn Thedford, 61, of Tyler will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Green Acres Baptist Church Chapel with Dr. David Dykes and Dr. Paul Powell officiating. A Private Interment will be held prior to services at Tyler Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mr. Thedford passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2015 under the care of his family and Hospice of East Texas. Gary was born November 19, 1953 in Tyler, Texas to Eugene Bailey and Theola Chapman Thedford. Growing up he attended Tyler schools where he excelled in sports. Gary graduated from John Tyler High School in 1972 and earned his business degree from West Texas State University in 1975. After a brief time in management, he built a successful career in insurance and financial planning. Gary developed his salesmanship skills under the direction of his mother, Theola Thedford. She helped set him upon the path to success when she hired him to sell shoes while still in high school. In 1978, Gary married Jan Westfall, enjoying 36 blessed years together. An active and committed member of Green Acres Baptist Church for 36 years, Gary’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” was his favorite Bible verse and gave him deep strength, especially toward the end of his life. Gary was an avid golfer known for his ability to “grind it out” on the course as well as in life. He was a basketball referee (which was perfect for his black and white, decisive thinking) and loved to ride his Harley. The joy of his life was taking his granddaughter Alexis fishing at WeHope Ranch, the same place where Gary peacefully passed away. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Eugene Thedford. He is survived by his loving family including beloved wife of 36 years, Jan Thedford; mother, Theola Thedford and husband Senka Yaden, of Tyler; sons, Trey Thedford, of Whitehouse and Brett Thedford, of Lakewood, Colorado; granddaughter, Alexis Thedford, of Denton; siblings, Don Thedford and wife Pam, of Tyler, Janet Swann and husband Benny, of Tyler; cousin, Virginia Kennedy and her family, of Tyler; numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Dr. Jim Ryder, Hub Coleman, Clint Roxburgh, Dr. Peyton Luckett, Dr. Earnie Stroupe and Jeff Pinkerton. Honorary pallbearers will be Tyler Area Basketball Officials and the East Texas Harley Owners Group. Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. If desired, memorials may be made to The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701; ETMC Foundation for Nursing, P.O. Box 6400, Tyler, TX 75711; Trinity Mother Francis Nursing Education Fund, 611 S. Fleishel, Tyler, TX 75701; TJC Foundation for nursing, P.O. Box 9020, Tyler, TX 75711; or University of Texas at Tyler School of Nursing c/o University Advancement, 3900 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75709.

Gary Lynn Thedford

November 19, 1953 - January 14, 2015