Marion M. Sanford, SSgt, 30th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop (Mech), 30th ID

SANFORD, Marion M., a resident of Wetumpka, passed away on July 30, 2015 at the age of 94.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Mayme Sasser Sanford, his son-in-law Charles Ralph Gantt, Jr., his father Leslie Chisim Sanford, his mother Lemma Elizabeth Moore Sanford, two older brothers Melvin Lee Sanford and Freddie Moton Sanford, two younger brothers George Gaston Sanford and Leslie Ferris Sanford and a beloved nephew Kenneth Harwell.

He is survived by his wife Peggy Rolen Sanford, his daughter Dale Sanford Gantt, Wallsboro, his step-children Wayne Jackson(Becky) Slapout, Wendell Jackson(Leslie) Eclectic, and Sheri Wilson (Jeff) Slapout, grandson Charles Marion Gantt (Shameika), honorary grand children Amy Davis Thompson and Christie Davis Spraggins, step grand children Justin Jackson, Devin Jackson (Darah), Taylor Wilson, Cameron Wilson, Chap Wilson, Katie Jackson, Ashleigh Jackson, Milas Jackson, Tyler Black, Clayton Black, and Kaycee Lou Jackson, sister in law Cheryl Sanford, Pelham, Alabama, and 7 great grand children.

He was born December 13, 1920 in Weoka, Alabama. Marion had a happy childhood. He attended a little two room Weoka school 1st-7th grade. He then attended the 8th grade in Eclectic and then back to Weoka to a new school in the 9th grade. As the Weoka School was 1st-9th grade only, he then returned to Elmore County High School for the 10th-12th grades where he graduated in 1939. Times were hard during the Great Depression. Marion and his family had plenty to eat but very little money. Attending high school was hard because everyone had to work on the farm. One of his daily tasks was to milk 12-15 cows every morning. The family sold the cream to make a little money in order to survive.

When Marion finished high school he was offered a scholarship to Berry College, a small college in North Georgia. However, they had a waiting list and two years later he had the opportunity to attend but by that time he was in the Army and could not go. Marion’s military career began during World War II. He served in the 30th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop (Mech), 30th Infantry Division (Old Hickory) with the rank of Staff Sergeant.. He participated in five campaigns in Europe: Normandy, Northern France, Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. After the war he remained in the Army Reserve and served as First Sergeant. He was called back to active duty and served one year (1961-1962). He retired from the Air National Guard with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

Since World War II, Marion has been active in his church and community. He has served his church as a member, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, committee member, and in any other capacity where there was a need. He, along with other World War II veterans, helped build the Fain Center Club House. They furnished the labor. The veterans also began a Rifle Club to teach young people to safely handle fire arms.

Marion worked for the Ford dealership in Wetumpka where he also started a driver’s education class to train young people to drive safely. He served on city, county, and state boards and served on the Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority Board of Directors for almost 30 years.

Marion also served in Wetumpka city government for almost 10 years. He served 7 years as Mayor pro tem and the last year as Mayor. He retired from the U. S. Postal Service in 1980 after 26 years of service.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 1, from 5-7 p.m. at Gassett Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at Mountain View Baptist Church on Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Anthony Counts officiating. Burial will follow at Pine View Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Edwin Sanford, Randy Davis, Jeff Rogers, Haywood Robbins, Danny Weldon and Danny Bonnett. Honorary pall bearers: will be: The Men’s Sunday School Class of Mountain View Baptist Church, The Wetumpka Exchange Club, all Deacons of Mountain View Baptist, the Public Safety Department City of Wetumpka, Evan Adams, Jim O’Dell, Buddy Griffith, Billy Hamilton, Ron Holt, Ronnie Humphrey, Leo Manni, Ricky Mills and David Adams.

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This is a day that I have dreaded but knew would come soon.

 

Thanks for posting this, Jeff. Mr. Sanford was emblematic of his generation. They did their duty without expectation of reward. Most returned home and resumed their lives. His service, and that of others like him should be cherished and never forgotten.

Good-bye Mr. Sanford. You will be missed.

 

Thanks, guys. Visitation was tonight; a lot of people loved him as the funeral home was packed.

Thankfully, we got there early and did not have to stand in line very long.