Johnny Sanford

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, Johnny Sanford, of Columbia, Mississippi passed into God's presence at the age of 83. He was born in Marion County to Columbus and Bessie Sanford. Johnny lived many years in the Washington D.C. area of Virginia working with The Boeing Company. After retiring, he came back to Lamar County where he lived for sixteen years before moving home to Columbia five years ago. Johnny lived a simple life and found enjoyment in listening to old Gospel Music, playing computer games, collecting model trains, and time spent with family. He served his community and his Lord through his membership with Brushy Creek Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Patsy Ruth Broom, Christian Gipson, Bobbie Nell Lowery, and Balzie Ann Cavanaugh; brothers, Jack Sanford, C.C. Sanford, and George Sanford; and his first wife, Priscilla Goar Sanford. Johnny is survived by his wife, Kathryn Sanford; two sons, Keith Sanford (Mickey) and Larry Peavy (Terri); a daughter, Brenda Rutland (Tim), a brother, Nathan Sanford (Joyce); two sisters-in-law, Silvia Sanford, Frances Goar Bennett; four grandchildren, Clay Sanford (Beth), Katrina Sanford, DeLaina Louge (Ben), Hannah Rutland Dow (Jared); five great-grandchildren, Landyn Rutland, Maggie Louge, Olivia Louge, Ameylia Rutland, and Neil Louge.

There will be a visitation for Johnny at Colonial Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm. The funeral service, officiated by Brother Everett Broome and Brother Joe Lott, will be in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 2:00pm. Burial will follow in the Rocky Branch Baptist Church Cemetery assisted by James Broom, Johnny Ray Morgan, Ben Bonner, Steve Harrell, Greg Bennett, and Stan Bennett serving as pallbearers. James Cavanaugh, Jerome Broom, Rusty Broom, and Cody Meche will serve as honorary pallbearers.