Smiles we remember: Tom Sullivan

Former student loan officer Thomas “Tom” Sullivan passed away Jan. 21, 2024. Sullivan joined the dental school in 1994 in the business office, and over the years, he took on additional responsibilities, including auditing all equipment and inventory reporting, before retiring in 2016 after 22 years of dedicated service.

Sullivan served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of E-4. After earning an accounting degree, he worked for various financial institutions, including the Dallas Times Herald/Channel 4 Credit Union, before joining the dental school.

Colleagues at the dental school shared memories of Tom.

Monica Washington, financial accountant in financial services, remarked, “Tom Sullivan was a man with many hats. He was nice, kind, positive and always helpful. He always had a story to tell, and in each one, he gave an underlying message you could use in your life. He loved his family and farming. He and his wife hosted the best Christmas parties at their home. A man of compassion.” She said he will be greatly missed.

Sandra Stansbury, business administrator in financial services, remembered Tom as a true “Southern Gentleman” who never knew a stranger. She shared, “He loved to talk to you and find out if you were doing OK or not that day.” Sandra had the privilege of working with Tom from December 2005 until his retirement in July 2016, recalling their shared laughs about his East Texas trips and hunting adventures. She highlighted Tom’s dedication to his job and his willingness to help others.

Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gwynda Sullivan, administrative coordinator in facilities services; his daughter and son-in-law Mendy and Andy Kiser; and granddaughter Erin Kiser.

Visitation is 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, and funeral service is 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29. Both services are at Williams Memorial Chapel, 1600 S. Garland Ave., Garland, TX, 75040. Read his full obituary here.