Raymond Phillip Sanford

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces services for Mr. Raymond Phillip Sanford, who passed away peacefully on September 18th, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was born to Dorothy Edith and Clement Richmond Sanford on July 4, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan.

Raymond attended RETS Technical College and served in the United States Army receiving the National Defense Service Medal. He was employed by the United States Government - Federal Aviation Authority for 30 years. Raymond will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, Georgia. Ray headed up the Prison Ministry in Blairsville, and he was active in the local Gideons Camp, serving as Chaplain, and was dedicated to making the Word of God available to everyone. Preceding Raymond in death was his wife, Joyce; brother, Warren (Beverly) and sisters, Frances and Karen (William).

He is survived by his children: Lisa (Stephen), Steven (Janice), Scott (Debbie), and Troy (Sandi); ten grandchildren: Christina, Travis, Devin, Sarah, Kali (Josh), Lauren (fiance' Peyton), Tucker, Tanner, Spencer and Sawyer; four great-grandchildren: Kobe, Anastacia, Alyssa, and Bryce; and a brother, Charles (Veronica) and sister, Gail (Scott).

A Celebration of Raymond's life will be held on Friday, September 28th, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Blairsville, 296 Blue Ridge Street, Blairsville. Special music will be presented by Pat Morales, accompanied by Mary McFarland. Military honors will be presented by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Interment will follow in Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 521, Blairsville, Georgia 30514.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please sign the guest registry online at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.