Ronald Lee Sanford

Ronald Lee Sanford was born to Milton and Flora Sanford in Troup, Texas on July 20, 1940 and passed into the pearly gates of Heaven on March 14, 2022 at his home in Canton, Texas with his wife and four children by his side.

Ron graduated from Samuel High School in Dallas, Texas in 1958. He then went to Navarro Junior College where he played football. It was during this time that he married the love of his life, Donna Dae Sanford, on June 6, 1959. He continued playing football with Donna by his side always cheering him on. Ron was recruited to Austin College where he continued playing football as he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Applied Sciences and Kinesiology. Upon graduating college, he spent the next two years coaching in Clarksville, Texas. Donna’s cheers continued on throughout life even until his very last breath.

In true Ron Sanford fashion, he put his family first as he left the coaching field to embark upon a new adventure with his father in the roofing business. They built a wonderful family business, Garland Roofing Company, doing both commercial and residential roofing who contracted with Fox and Jacobs. In 1976, he once again made a move that he felt was best for his family as he moved his family from the metroplex to Canton, Texas. Living in Canton, he continued to work the Garland Roofing company for another 18 months before he and his father sold the company and retired. Well retired was not in Ron’s vocabulary, because that truly just offered an opportunity to find ways to stay busy, be productive, but remain available 24/7 for his family. He became a real estate agent for a short period of time, bought the City Café, began having houses built, and started acquiring houses to build a rental business. This allowed Ron the time to do what he loved most, “be forever present in the lives of his family, friends, and community”.

He was very community oriented. He was a Canton ISD School Board member, Canton City Council member, Van Zandt County Precinct 2 Constable, volunteer Firefighter for Canton Fire Department, a member of the Building Committee with First Baptist Church. Even though Pop was not officially part of the Police Department, a lot of citizens and even some of the earlier officers considered him to be one of the town guardians due to his continuous patrolling of the streets of Canton.

He was always willing to lend a helping hand behind the scenes. He never wanted recognition, but he helped many people over the years. He loved being involved with Kids for Christmas. He started team meals before they were a thing, as he fed anyone who would come to eat before games.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Donna Sanford, known to family and most around town as Gee; his four loving children who continue to carry on his legacy of strength, love, and endurance: Pam and Micah Heard of Canton, Texas, Bud and Brenda Sanford of Canton, Texas, Cristy and Darron Thorn of Edgewood, Texas, and Ace Sanford of Canton, Texas. Eight grandchildren who have forever been molded by his love and guidance: Lezli and Brian Adkins of Canton; Breanne and Austin McDaniel of Canton; Tori and Jacob Harris of Canton; Lucas and Lindsey Minyard of Mabank; Jaci and Charlie Hughes of Canton; Garrett Wayne Thorn of Edgewood; Bryce and Gabe Sanford of Temple, Clay Sanford of Canton. Twelve great grandchildren who always brought a smile to his face and an added skip to his step: Kylie, Lavery, Keaton, Harper, Linden, Eli, Jaxon, Kellan, Jep, Kohen, Jameson, and Jensyn; and sister, Kathy and Lloyd Thrasher of Mabank.

Preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Flora Sanford. Also joining his grandson, Justin Cole Thorn in Heaven to once again to laugh, hug, and tell stories. Oh what a reunion that was. We can truly only imagine the love and excitement as he was welcomed into Heaven.

A funeral will be held 3 pm Thursday, March 17, 2022, at Eubank Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Roberson officiating. Interment will be in Haven of Memories. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.