In addition to his parents, he is preceded in passing by his brother, William Sanford.
Ray is survived by his wife, Susan McLamb Sanford of Gastonia; son, David Sanford of Henderson, NV; granddaughter, Isla of Henderson, NV; sister, Rebecca Summers and husband Kenneth of DE; daughter, Nancy Thornton and husband Bret of Winston Salem; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; mother-in-law, Joyce Auten and brother-in-law, Kenneth McLamb and wife Lynne.
He served in the United States Coast Guard for four years, followed by two years as a police officer while living in Virginia. Ray later worked for The Washington Post for 20 years. Afterward, he spent a decade as a cab driver while residing in Las Vegas. Upon retirement, Ray settled in Gastonia with Susan’s family.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Gaston Memorial Park.
Please visit www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com to leave online condolences for the Sanford Family.