Tom was born in Los Angeles, CA on Aug. 14, 1942. He was an all-star high-school athlete, winning several awards for both football and baseball, including a short stint as a semi-pro baseball player. In 1961, he joined the United States Navy, proudly serving as a pharmacy technician in San Diego, CA until receiving an honorable discharge in 1964. Tom then moved to Illinois to pursue a career in manufacturing, serving in numerous roles, including Plant Supervisor.
Anne Hook Axford married Tom in 1996 and they remained married for 27 years. In 2006, after retiring from a long career, they moved from Raleigh, NC to Little River, SC., where they were able to enjoy a beach life that had always been their dream.
Personable and gregarious, Tom enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, who enjoyed his sense of humor. He loved cooking and grilling, and his steaks and ribs were always expertly prepared. His Thanksgiving turkey and famous stuffing were legendary. Tom remained a sports fan throughout his lifetime, and you could always find him playing a round of golf, fishing on the ocean, or cheering on his favorite college team, the NC State Wolfpack.
Tom raised his children to be dedicated to their families and he instilled in his family the importance of perseverance through adversity. His self-sacrifice allowed his family to have all that they needed, and his work ethic was an inspiration to his family and friends.
Tom is survived by his wife, Anne Hook Axford; son Kai Axford and wife Christy, daughter Kirsten Cox, son Chad Axford and wife Karen; stepson Michael Pifer; his grandchildren, Brayden, Karis, Tommy, Nick, Gretchen, Berklee, and Kelsee. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Idell Axford, son-in-law Michael Cox, and his granddaughter, Claudia.
There will be a memorial service on Friday, September 8th, 2023, at 2:00PM at Lee Funeral Home, 11840 Highway 90, Little River, SC 29566.
