Billy Sanford, age 81 of Lebanon, passed away on November 8, 2025.
The Funeral Service, conducted by Brother Terry Carver and Brother Danny Sellars, is 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2025 in the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN. Interment in Barton’s Creek will follow the service.
The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-6 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the service at 10 a.m.
Billy Joe Sanford was born in Lebanon TN to Cora Ella Stewart Sanford and Porter Douglas Sanford. Billy would talk to anyone who would listen and Arlice Lanier loved to listen to him so much that he married her. He had a love for God’s earth and the will to be a hard-worker throughout his life. He enjoyed playing softball for many years, but he always loved riding his lawnmower, seeking that perfect cut of the grass.
Billy worked at Lux Clock for 26 years, retiring as a supervisor. He always farmed, growing vegetables and giving them to his neighbors, friends, and family. The Sanfords attended Bartons Creek most of their lives but have belonged to Calvary Baptist for the last several years. Billy was also a certified auctioneer and worked for J.R. Hobbs and Sons and Richard Macon.
Billy is survived by his loving wife and partner of 54 years, Arlice Sanford; children: Steve (Sheryl) Martin, Doug Sanford, and Vicki (Mike) Vaughn; daughter-in-law: Ana Duarte Cowan; and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by daughter Yvonne’de Mechelle Steverson, son Lindy Cowan, and parents Cora and Porter Sanford.
Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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