Billy Wyatt Sanford, 88, of Denton, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2024, surrounded by family and wrapped in the comfort of his favorite Dallas Cowboys blanket.

Billy was born on November 7, 1935, in a small country home in Bassfield, Mississippi, to the late Doyle and Eva Sanford. Because he was born outside the city limits, the doctor was unable to register his birth until January 7, 1936.

Consequently, he celebrated two birthdays every year! Billy graduated from Bassfield High School, where his parents owned a grocery store, "Sanford's Cash and Carry." He earned a degree in business from Mississippi College in 1957, where he met and fell in love with his college sweetheart and beloved late wife, Mae Elizabeth Morrison Sanford. They married on June 20, 1957, in Jackson, Mississippi, and enjoyed a loving marriage for 63 years.

Billy epitomized a servant leader and gave generously to his family, church, and community. He worked for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for 33 years, receiving several accolades throughout his career. He served as a salesman, sales manager, regional manager, and eventually became a zone manager. He retired at the young age of 57.

Billy was a devoted member and Deacon of First Baptist Church of Denton for over 30 years. He and Mae directed the Sunday School Charles Ramsey Department. Billy was recently honored as Deacon Emeritus by First Baptist Church of Denton. He loved spending time with his family and visiting with friends.

After retirement, he enjoyed spending summers on his pontoon boat with family at Lake Texoma and traveling with Mae, both nationally and internationally. One of his most memorable trips was to Jerusalem with his Sunday school class. In his later years, Billy cherished watching his grandchildren grow up and attending their events. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, North Texas Mean Green, and OU Sooners. Billy proudly boasted about his family to anyone who would listen and was extremely proud of his three children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be remembered for his contagious laugh, generosity, and faithfulness to the Lord.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Robin Higgs of Edmond, Oklahoma; son, Kevin Sanford and his wife Stacy of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law, Sonya Sanford of Keller, Texas; grandchildren, Patrick Sanford and his wife Allison of Houston, Texas; Hunter Higgs of Denton, Texas; Michelle Sanford of Houston, Texas; Emery Davis and her husband Patrick of Atlanta, Georgia; Hayden Higgs and his wife Dr. Pepper of Fort Worth, Texas; Austin Sanford of Dallas, Texas; Holly Higgs of Denton, Texas; and Laurie Sanford of Charlotte, North Carolina; great-grandchildren, Luke, Charlie, and Thomas Sanford of Houston, Texas; and brother, Lee Sanford of Tomball, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife Mae Sanford and son Tracy Sanford.

A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church of Denton on July 27, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. A brief visitation from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. preceding the service will be held in the church foyer. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Denton.