Brealon Allen “Buddy” Sanford, Jr. (68) passed away on September 2nd, 2021 in Nacogdoches, Texas.

 

Services will be held at New Life Church in Center, TX., under the direction of Senior Pastor Steve Noble. Visitation will be from 1-2 pm on Friday September 10th, with funeral service immediately following. Burial will be at Borders Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Mangum Funeral Home. 

 

Brealon Allen “Buddy” Sanford, Jr. was born in Houston, Texas on June 19th, 1953 to Brealon and Betty (Moore) Sanford. Buddy spent more than 40 years in the oil business in one fashion or another. While he loved the oil business, he loved to tell people that he used to work in Major League Baseball. He would then explain that his “Major League” career was from a brief stint with the Houston Astros front office, “and by that, I sold peanuts, popcorn and cokes.” Buddy also spent some time trying his hand as a professional bowler. After numerous perfect games, many “750’s” and at least two “800’s” to his name, he said, “That’s about the best I can be, there’s no sense in watching my career go down from here!” Buddy was also an avid hunter, whose life revolved around deer season. 

 

However, even with so many fun hobbies, Buddy’s favorite thing was being “GrandBuddy / Gubby” to his grandbabies. Always the jokester, he was a kid at heart and loved to spend time making his grandkids laugh. 

 

Buddy had committed himself to Christ early in life. However, he would quickly tell you, it wasn’t until he was in his 50’s that he learned what it was like to have a real relationship with Jesus. His spiritual life took a positive turn from that point forward. He talked often of what he was learning from the Bible, as well as how he felt the Lord was guiding his life. 

 

He was preceded in death by his parents: Betty Lou (Moore) Sanford, Brealon A. Sanford, Sr. and his sister Susan J. Sanford

 

Leaving behind to cherish his memory are his children

 

Brealon Allen “Sandy” Sanford, III (Kasie) of El Dorado, Arkansas

Aidron Joseph Sanford of Lufkin, Texas

Brandie Lou Benedetti of Center, Texas

Jason David Vaughn of Austin, Texas

 

Grandchildren:

Micah Sanford 

Steven Woodland (Katie) 

Ian Vaughn 

Ciara Goldsmith

Jasper Sanford 

Camden Sanford 

Collin Brady

Peyton Tolbert 

Deuce Benedetti 

Aubrey Sanford 

Brealon Allen “Nolan” Sanford, IV 

Aryana Simon 

 

Great Grandchildren:

MacKenzie Woodland 

Spencer Woodland 

Gauge Adams 

 

Sister:

Edith Mae LeBlanc (Maison) of Center, Texas

 

Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and friends he made throughout his life. 

 

Special Friends:

Rick and Kathryn Morley of Houston, Texas

Bonnye Green of Houston, Texas

 

Pallbearers are:

John C. LeBlanc, Louis Underbrink, Barrett Underbrink, John Sancton, Jasper Sanford, Camden Sanford

 

The family wishes to thank the caring and amazing staff at Nacogdoches Medical Center for their compassionate and superior care for Buddy during his stay there.