James T. Sanford

Mr. James T. Sanford, age 78, of Old Cedartown Road, Rockmart passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at his residence following a lengthy illness.


A native of Polk County he was born on October 11, 1933 a son of the late J. H. (Hamp) Sanford and Ruth Cason Sanford. Mr. Sanford had lived all of his life in the Rockmart area where he was a member of the Morning View Baptist Church. He worked on the family farm during his youth and won a 4-H competition for producing the most cotton bales per acre. Mr. Sanford was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving as a Military Police Officer while stationed in Hawaii. He also loved collecting model trains and was an accomplished singer and string instrument player. Mr. Sanford had been a member of the Blue Grass Mountaineers and the High Point Quartet. He was one of the former owners of the J. H. Sanford Exterminating Company. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Vera Potts.


Survivors include a daughter, Shelia Brinkley and husband Darrell, Rockmart; a son, Steve Sanford, Salem, S.C.; sister, Imogene Wright, Rockmart; a brother, Ralph Sanford, Rockmart; three grandchildren: Ashton Sanford, Stefanie Brinkley and Chloe Brinkley; a number of nieces and nephews also survive.


Funeral services will be held Friday, December 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Royce Campbell and Rev. Ladell Jacobs officiating. Interment will follow in the New Prospect Baptist Church with Brown-Wright Post # 12 of the American Legion in charge of military graveside rites.


Pallbearers will include: Ashton Sanford, Ray Tapp, Dan Casey, Mark Ferguson, Jack Ingram and Mike Clark.


The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 until 9 p.m. at the funeral home.


The Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for the funeral of Mr. James T. Sanford.