HARTFORD, Ky. — David Thomas Lunsford, 79, of Hartford, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Tommy was born on Jan. 15, 1945, in Jamestown, Kentucky, to Eugene and Floy McKinley Lunsford.
Growing up in a large family, he quickly learned the value of a strong work ethic and the importance of family dedication.
At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army’s First Calvary Division, honorably serving his country in South Korea. During that time, he met his wife of 60 years, Brenda Joyce Smith Lunsford.
Tommy worked tirelessly starting his own masonry construction business. Success followed and he was widely recognized as a master of his craft. In the last decade of his working life, he accepted a position as a construction superintendent in commercial construction. He traveled the country building and remodeling restaurants such as Cracker Barrel and Logan’s Roadhouse.
Because of his efforts, there was not a single day that he didn’t provide for all of his family in every way. He provided and gave everything he had, making sure we all were taken care of each and every day. His home was the focal point for family gatherings and holidays, filled with laughter and memories that we will cherish forever.
The stories and jokes he would tell, we couldn’t repeat, but he sure made us laugh and never ceased to amaze us with what he came up with next. Never a dull moment and never to be forgotten.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by four brothers, Billy, Jimmy, Buddy, and Lee Roy Lunsford, and three sisters, Darlene Jones, Kathy Rhineheimer and Jo Lynn Sowers.
Our dad, papaw, husband, uncle and friend will be deeply missed and forever respected and admired by his wife, Brenda Joyce Smith Lunsford; his son, David Lunsford; his daughter, Stacy Lunsford Gillim; six grandchildren, Blaine Gillim, Breely Gillim, Bayla Bickwermert, Adam Lunsford, Clay Lunsford, and Shelby Lunsford; two sisters, Mary Jane Gustin and Dottie (John) Rose; two brothers, Kenny (Liz) Lunsford and Charles (Sharon) Lunsford; great-grandson, Jaxson Lunsford Olivie; along with many nieces, nephews and life-long friends.
A memorial to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, May 18, at Bevil Brothers Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, with Michael Sumner presiding. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. with the service beginning at 3 p.m.
Online condolences can be made at bevilbrosfuneralhomes.com.