Ricky Thomas Stanfill "Lightning"

Ricky Thomas “Lightning” Stanfill went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after a courageous eight-week battle at Vanderbilt Hospital. Throughout his stay, he was never alone — constantly surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his devoted family and dear friends.

Born on November 9, 1960, at Maury Regional Hospital, Ricky was the beloved son of the late Eldridge Raymond Stanfill and the late Margaret Lentz Stanfill. He was a proud graduate of Columbia Central High School and went on to dedicate his life to serving others as a Captain with the Columbia Fire and Rescue Department. Ricky also owned and operated A&R Gas Piping, where his unmatched work ethic and insistence on doing every job with excellence earned him great respect.

Ricky had a heart of gold and lived by the principle of helping others, never hesitating to lend a hand or share what he had. His generosity, kindness, and strength touched the lives of many, and his legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A true Southern soul, Ricky was a passionate NASCAR enthusiast and a lifelong fan of Dale Earnhardt. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life — weekend rides in his Polaris Ranger with family and friends, cooking up large meals for everyone he loved, camping under the stars, boating on the lake, escaping to the mountains, and enjoying the sounds of George Strait in concert.

Ricky shared a special bond with his faithful dog, Peanut, who accompanied him to work and auctions, never leaving his side.

Above all, Ricky was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his family and many friends take comfort in the promise that they will see him again in Heaven, where his bright light will shine on forever.

Ricky leaves behind his cherished wife, Deborah Andrews Stanfill; his sons Austin (Shelby) Stanfill and Jason (Krystal) Burns; and his beloved granddaughter Haylea Burns. He is also survived by his sisters Donna (Jackie) Gibbs and Patsy (Buddy) Kennedy; brother-in-law Preston (Jessica) Andrews; father and mother-in-law Dwain and Dorothy Andrews, and Charles Crafton; uncles John T. Stanfill and Eddie Ray Stanfill; and nieces Vicki (Mitch) Kammeier and Kim (Donnie) Fitzgerald — along with a host of extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

Pallbearers: Dwain Andrews, Roy Dean Johnson, Stetson Ledford, David Littleton, Tanner Brown, and Jerry Corvin.

Honorary pallbearers: Columbia Fire & Rescue Department, employees of Shaw Home Builders, Holsten Gas, Discount Plumbing, Tommy Dale, and James Faulkner.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 14 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Columbia location of Williams Funeral Home.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home. Leading in the service will be John Stanfill and Rhonda Littleton. Burial will follow the service at Polk Memorial Gardens.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.