David Keith Stanford

David “Keith” Stanford, 77, of Whitney, Texas passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023, at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest hospital in Waco, Texas with his children by his side. A celebration of life service will be held at 2PM Friday, July 7, 2023, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro, Texas with Rev. Darrell Phillips officiating.

Keith was born December 9, 1945, in Hillsboro, where he grew up. He was the proud son of David “Sonny” and Janelle (Jennings) Stanford. Keith graduated from Hillsboro high school, and then attended East Texas State University. On December 26, 1967, he married Deborah Gray. For three years they lived in Gatesville where Keith began his cherished career with the state of Texas. On March 27, 2023, he celebrated fifty-five years with the state of Texas where the city of Waco, Texas named that very special day after him. For the past twenty-seven years, he has resided in Whitney, where he has attended AA and built an extended family. Some of Keith’s true passions were coaching and cheering on his favorite “family” athletes, fishing, “junkin’”, and being a part of the AA community. Keith also lived vicariously through his children, David and Susan, whom he always loved to brag about.

Keith’s exceptional caring and generous nature has touched more lives than can be counted. Keith never met a stranger, and his arms embraced all shapes, sizes, and colors. He had a true passion for the “under dogs” and he would do everything in his and others power to get you the assistance you needed. If you had the pleasure of meeting Keith, you would become an instant friend. To have been close to Keith, you became family, which included jokes, stories, mentoring, and unconditional love.

Preceding him in death were his parents, sister, favorite cat Earl, and his beloved wife. Survivors include his son, David Mack Stanford of Los Angeles, California and daughter, Susan Jane Stanford of Irving, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to -  https://www.riseadaptivesports.org/