Sanford "Sam" Royce Wilson

After a long, brave fight with Alzheimer's, Sanford Royce "Sam" Wilson left us on May 8, 2020. He was 84. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna O. Wilson; his children, Melanie Restrepo and husband Manuel, Kimberly Wilson and husband Dan, Timothy Wilson, and Peter Wilson and wife Julie; eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He is remembered, treasured, dearly loved and sorely missed by many, many more. Sam grew up in upstate New York, from a family of 14, helping to take financial responsibility for the family at 14. He worked multiple grueling jobs while still in school, beginning before dawn and bringing his pay home to his mother every day. Later in his life, Donna told their children, “That man has never done a thing in his life that was for himself: every single thing he’s ever done has been for his family, his friends, and for people that needed him.” It was a truth that Sam lived up to for his entire life. It was an example that he never intended to set - it’s simply who he was. As soon as he could get away with it - at 17 - Sanford joined the United States Air Force. As always, he sent all of his money home to support his family. He married Donna Howland in 1958 and was soon sent overseas. Sanford served for 20 years, retiring honorably and settling his family back in upstate New York. He worked for the United States Postal Service another 18 years while raising his family. In town, Sam was well-loved and respected as a man who was there for his neighbors and friends, working tirelessly to provide for his family. After retirement, Sam and Donna moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, and their entire family promptly followed. He and Donna shared a mutual joy singing for the Thomas Road Baptist Church Choir, and Sam became a bit of a celebrity at the Lynchburg Flea Market. It is no exaggeration to say that it’s impossible to count the lives that Sam Wilson helped to improve: for more than 80 years, he was simply ALWAYS giving. Men like him were rare even his own lifetime. Sanford Wilson was one of the last of his generation’s great men. This world is a little bit better because he was here. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.