Alfred E. Sansom

Alfred was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Morgan Sansom; siblings, Sarah Litman, Margaret Henard, and Farris Dewey "Sonny" Sansom; parents, Mildred Beatrice Sexton Sansom and Farris Dewey Sansom; stepdaughter, Andi Morgan; and grandchildren, Ambria Diane McGregor and Emerson Bradley.

He is survived by his children, Christopher (Shelly) Sansom, Brian (Amy) Law, Jenny (Eric) Tucker, Brandi (Jay) Bradley, and Brittney (Ryder) McGregor. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Christian, Cameron, Caylee, Cade, Crews, Creed, Cole, Will, Jacob, Tyler, Erika (Daniel), Grace (Josh), Zach, and Dylon, as well as his great-grandchildren, Rory and Scottie. Alfred is also survived by his brother, William Clark Sansom, along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

“Big Al” / “Hammer” / Nike Man” / “Coach” Sansom, was a towering figure of integrity and a cornerstone of his vast family, leaving a legacy of profound generosity and professional excellence. Known as a man who gave unreservedly of his time, money, and influence, he dedicated his life to the betterment of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

In his professional life, he was a titan of the sporting goods industry with over 60 years of service. His career was defined by historic achievements; he was among the first Nike salesmen to reach $1 million in sales and became one of the elite few to surpass the $2 million mark. His commitment to those he served was such a great example that his employer created the "Al Sansom Rock Award" – established in his honor to recognize excellence in customer service.

Beyond the office, Al’s passion for sports and mentorship lived primarily on the baseball diamond. He served as a baseball coach for many years, where he had the joy of coaching his own children, instilling in them the values of teamwork and perseverance.

Perhaps his final name became his most influential, and the one he became most proud of, as he became “Papa Al.” As most know, you didn’t have to be 1 of his actual grandchildren to refer to him that way, as that became his name to all of the kids that grew to know and love him (and most of their parents).

Papa Al was the unwavering "rock" for his entire family, providing a foundation of strength and guidance that spanned generations. His generosity extended far beyond his immediate circle, as he was a dedicated supporter of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Project, always seeking to lift up those in need.

He is a true testament to the impact that one individual can have through a lifetime of service, leadership, and hard work.

A visitation will be held at Hermitage Funeral Home, located at 535 Shute Ln, Old Hickory, TN 37138, on February 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at the same venue from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A Committal Service will take place from 1:00 pm to 1:15 pm.

Pallbearers include family members and friends: Christian Sansom, Cameron Sansom, Cade, Law Crews Law, Dylon McGregor, Zach Tucker, Cole Bradley, Will Bradley, Jacob Bradley, Tyler Bradley, John O'Dell and Robert Butler

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the extraordinary charities that he supported or in true Big Al fashion, donate your time and resources to your local youth sports organization.