Lacy Gray Sanford

November 29, 1928 – April 3, 2026

Lacy G. Sanford, age 97, of Culpeper, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving children Beverly, Martha and Bruce. Lacy was confident in his faith and believed when his journey on earth ended he would be united with Christ and reunited in heaven with the love of his life, Joyce…both now peaceful and pain-free.

Lacy was born on November 29,1928, in East Rainelle, WV to Clara and Walker Sanford. He grew up with a deep sense of duty and compassion. At 18, he registered for the draft and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1952. He served as a sergeant during the Korean War and was seriously wounded the same year, earning the Purple Heart before being honorably discharged in 1953.

After being honorably discharged, Lacy returned home and built a life rooted in service to others. He met the love of his life, Joyce Mae Crane, and was married soon after in April of 1957, followed by 3 beautiful children. Family was a significant focus in his life. He was passionate about hunting, fishing, camping, and anything involving the outdoors, which his family enjoyed sharing with him.

In 1957 Lacy was employed by Virginia Gas Distribution Inc. where his responsibilities broadened in a career spanning 34 years. During his years of employment, he was an active member of the Kiwanis Club as well. After retirement in 1991, Lacy was an active member of the Culpeper VFW Post 2524, served as a member of the VFW Honor Guard. On November 27, 2009, he was presented with the Congressional Veteran Commendation for his service in the Korean War. Lacy’s life was a testament to courage, kindness, and devotion—to his country, his family, and his community.

Lacy is survived by his daughter Beverly Guynn and husband Barry, his daughter Martha Sanford, his son Bruce Sanford and wife Tammy.

Lacy is also survived by grandchildren Shane Guynn and wife Heather, Erin Duncan and husband Shaun, Zach Halsey and fiancé Ashley, Trent Halsey, Amanda Chapman and husband Ryan, Jessica Sanford and fiancé Justin, and Joshua Sanford; Great grandchildren Leah Duncan, Charles, Xara and Halsey Chapman, Cora Sanford, Avery Puffenbarger, Kali, Ferris, Ellis and Silas. Also 3 step-great grandchildren Samantha Burns and husband Matt, Zachary Chase, and Sean Chase, and 2 step great-great grandchildren, Hattie and Jocie Burns. He is also survived by his nephew Lanty and niece Cindy Midkiff.

Lacy was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; mother, Clara Johnson; father, Walker Sanford; sister, Rosalee Weeks; brother, Darrell Sanford; nephew Lacy Weeks.

Services will be held at Clore-English Funeral Home in Culpeper, VA, on Friday, April 24, 2026. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., followed by the service from 11:30 – 12:15, then a reception from 12:15 to 2:15. Family will be departing Clore-English Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m. for the Culpeper National Cemetery where Lacy will receive full Military honors and laid to rest with his beloved wife Joyce. Friends are also welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, Tunnels to Towers or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Thank you to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers for Lacy and the Sanford Family. Special thanks to The Culpeper, Hospice of the Piedmont, and Home Instead.