Robert Addison (R.A.) Sanford, 83, of Bald Knob, passed from this life on Thursday, September 4, 2025. He was born on August 27, 1942, in Bradford, Arkansas, to Johnny Ira and Nellie Ruth (Wyatt) Sanford.
R.A. lived a life devoted to faith, family, and community. He was a longtime member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Deacon for more than fifty years. He farmed and raised cattle until his retirement. He also dedicated much of his life to the Bradford School District, where he drove a bus for fifty-seven years and served on the school board for many of those years. Through both roles, he impacted countless lives and built a legacy of service and care for others.
Outside of his commitments, R.A. enjoyed many hobbies that brought him happiness. He loved attending family reunions, spending time outdoors fishing, and working with antique tractors. Tractor pulling was one of his favorite pastimes, as was spending time with friends at the Bradford Senior Center. R.A. also cherished the close friendships he shared with Jesse McCoy, Howard Free, and Larry Jackson, who remained by his side through the years, even from afar.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jeff Sanford; his brother, Verlan Sanford; his daughter-in-law, Marti Sanford; his sisters-in-law, Louise Sanford, Marilyn Mitchell, Shirley Mitchell, and Valery Mitchell; his brothers-in-law, Herbert Mitchell Jr., Larry Mitchell and Rueben Mayhue; his great-grandchild, Kaydence Humes; his step-mother, Lois Jean (Ballard) Anselmi Sanford; and his stepsiblings, Jean Anselmi Stuart and Steve Anselmi.
R.A. leaves behind his loving wife of sixty-four years, Gwena Sanford, of the home; his son, Tim Sanford (Stephanie) of Bald Knob; his brother, Arnold Sanford (Carolyn) of Alexander; his brother-in-law, Paul Mitchell (Linda); his sisters-in-law, Noma Mitchell, Cathy Blevins (Danny) and Nina Mayhue; grandchildren, Amanda Anderson (Shannon), Tonya Humes (Anthony), and Phillip Vaughn; great-grandchildren, Kaylee Phillips (Seth), Emersyn Humes, A.J. Humes, and Paula Humes; his stepbrother, Dub Anselmi (Cuc Nguyen); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Kenny Sanford, Alex Sanford, Bradley Sanford, Bobby Sanford, Michael McSpadden and Sam Seigriest. Honorary pallbearers are Phillip Vaughn, Shannon Anderson, Anthony Humes, Garrett Sanford, Steve Mayhue, Jesse McCoy, Howard Free, Arthur Dunn, Bill Childers, Fred Jones, Johnny McDougal, Jimmy Ward, Brent Piker and Chris McSpadden.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Hickmon Cemetery.
