John Linwood Sandford Sr's Obituary
John Linwood Sandford was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on September 28, 1930 to Gaylor and Bernice Sandford. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Eleanor Keebler, brother Bud Sandford, his first wife Eloise, and his second wife Anne. John Sandford passed away on December 22, 2018 at his home in The Villages, Florida. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jennie L. Sandford and his ten children, Cynthia Sandford, Sandra Sandford, Priscilla Boone, Lisa Schmitt, Beth Ramsay, John Sandford, Jr., Diana Daniel, Kimberly Daniel, Robert Daniel, Roy Daniel and his 16 grandchildren.
John was known for his tremendous energy, and happy, loving attitude. He won a music scholarship and did his undergraduate studies at the University of Miami, Miami, Florida and at Park University, Park City, Missouri. He did his graduate studies at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.
John’s real joy was public relations and advertising. He started the advertising firm of Cochran and Sandford in the early 1960s. Over the next 30 years Cochran & Sandford grew into one of the largest and most successful agencies in the Memphis and greater Southeast region. He especially enjoyed the creative side of advertising and getting people together. John held leadership positions in many professional associations, including the American Marketing Association and Sales & Marketing Executives. Holiday Inn, Nissan Corporation, and Columbia School of Broadcasting were just a few of the many nationally and internationally respected clients in their portfolio.
John’s commitment and compassion towards his community led him to an active role in philanthropic work including the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army, Al Chymia Shriner’s Temple, Rotary International, Brooks Memorial Art Gallery, Shelby County United Neighbors Campaign, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the Liberty Bowl among many others.
He was known for his smile, his warmth and his joy for life. His hobbies included house boating and photography. John took up flying and received his pilot’s license at the age of 62. John particularly enjoyed the beauties of the American outdoors and travelled through most of our country’s National Parks. He built an impressive portfolio of photographs during his travels to these remarkable places that he loved so dearly.
After John and Jennie retired, they settled in The Villages, Florida. John was active in the International Order of St. Luke and was also a member of The Brotherhood of St. Andrew at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview.
John Sandford’s memorial service will be at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview, Florida, on January 13, 2019, at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to:
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview, Fla. www.stmarysbelleview.org
Hospice of Marion County ww.hospiceofmarion.com
Salvation Army https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/
The family of John Sandford wishes to express thanks for the wonderful love and care given by Hospice of Marion County, South Team.
On-line condolences may be shared by visiting www.bankspagetheus.com.
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