Thomas Edwin "Bud" Sullivan

In Loving Memory of
Thomas Sullivan
1940-2024
Thomas Edwin Sullivan, more affectionately known to his friends and family as "Bud," 83 years
old, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, gained his angel wings in the early morning of
January 21, 2024.
Bud was born on March 10, 1940, to Ruth Marie (Johnson) and Thomas A. Sullivan in England,
Arkansas as the 4th of 9 children. He was a 1958 graduate of Garland High School (Garland,
TX) and attended Baylor University. In July 1963, he was inducted into the United States Army
and served until July 1965, earning an E-4 rank. Upon returning home to Garland, Bud earned
an accounting degree and worked for several financial institutions in the Dallas area, spending
part of his career at the Dallas Times Herald/Channel 4 Credit Union and ending at Baylor
College of Dentistry, from where he retired.
On March 3,1962, Bud married the love of his life, Gwynda "Gwyn" (Hall) in Garland. Their
treasured daughter, Melinda "Mendy" (Sullivan) Kiser was born on April 22, 1965, and on May
11, 1991, they welcomed their son-in-law, John Andrew "Andy" Kiser to their family. On
December 12, 1997, their cherished granddaughter, Erin Christine Kiser, was born.
Bud never met a stranger. He tried to make everyone feel welcome, find common interests, and
could talk a person's ear off. Gwyn could often be found trying politely to rescue people from
extended conversations. He was a member of Orchard Hills Baptist Church and served as a
deacon of the church. In his free time, he loved to spend time with his family and best friend,
Ray, with whom he hunted, fished, and gardened. Not only was he an amazing grandfather to
Erin, particularly during her high school band and softball years at Rowlett High School, but he
was also considered an honorary grandfather to members of the Mighty Eagle Band and the
Rowlett Lady Eagles softball team.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gwyn (Hall), daughter Mendy (Sullivan) and son-in-law
Andy Kiser, and granddaughter Erin Kiser; sister-in-law Paula (Hall) Crumpley, his niece,
Lynette (Crumpley) and nephew-in-law Adam Varrassi, great niece, Samantha Varrassi, and
great nephews, Cameron Madison and Aidan Varrassi. He is further survived by numerous other
family members, local and out of state, including three sisters, Joyce, Jean, and Carolyn, as well
as their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth Marie and Thomas Albert,
parents-in-law John Duncan and Helen Frances Hall, as well as two brothers, three sisters, and
other extended family members.
To honor Bud's life, a service will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Williams Memorial Chapel in
Garland, TX at 3:30PM. Visitation will be held the prior Sunday, January 28, from 4:00-5:30PM. Thomas will be laid to rest at Garland Memorial Park following services.