Visitation will be held at Leak Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, Jan 28 from 5 until 7:00pm.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday Jan 29 at First United Methodist Church beginning at 2:00pm, Pastor R. Lawson Bryan officiating. A brief graveside service will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Leak Memorial Chapel is handling the funeral arrangements.
Though born Douglas F. Sanford in Laneville, Texas on September 21, 1921, the name “Sandy” soon became what everyone called him. The son of Elton and Lorena Sanford, Sandy went to high school at Mesquite High School and graduated in 1938. He went on to earn a degree in Special Education from George Washington University. In 1942, Sandy began what would become a life of service. He first served in the United States Air Force for 30 years and retired in 1971 a Command Pilot with the rank of Colonel. During his service, Sandy earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the French Croix De Guerre. While serving he wrote “The Sovereignty Of Space” which was published for the Library of Congress and is still used as a model for understanding the future military use of space at the USAF Air War College. Following his Air Force career, Sandy became the Director for the Alabama Association for Retarded Citizens working for the dignity, equality and right of choice for those Alabama citizens with intellectual limitations. He served the Alabama ARC until retiring in 1992. In recognition of Sandy’s efforts, then Governor George W. Wallace proclaimed 1984 as “Sandy Sanford Day.” Still not ready for a “quiet life,” Sandy continued to serve as he joined the Montgomery Chapter of Special Olympics. He worked with this program for 6 years until finally retiring in 2004.
Sandy enjoyed golf and played as a member of the Montgomery Country Club since 1971.
Sandy married Honey Sanford, from Tuskegee, AL, on May, 1, 1951. During their 57 year marriage, Sandy’s career carried them around the world but in 1969 they made their home Montgomery, AL.
Survived by a son David (Betty) Fox from Huntersville, NC, two daughters Patty J. S. Hubbard and Debbie (Steve) Sanford-Ashurst both from Montgomery, AL, 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, a brother Robert (Ruby) Sanford of Moore, OK, and a sister Barbara Tasker of Garland, TX.
Preceded in death by his wife and both parents.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Patricia, Valerie and Sally for their years of loving care for our entire family, especially in our times of need. Also to the Joseph’s Ministry of United Methodist Church, Leak Memorial Chapel and Greenwood Cemetery for the care they provided our family during this time and as our parents rest in their care.
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