Charles William Sandford, Jr.

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Charles William Sandford, Jr., who left this world peacefully on April 7, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on May 13, 1939, in Fort Worth, Texas, Charles was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose life was a testament to love, dedication, and unwavering integrity. Charles was the cherished son of the late Charles and Maudallen Sandford and brother to the late Allen Sandford. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 54 years, Karen Sandford, whom he married on June 4, 1971, in Houston, Texas. Together, they built a life rich in love and family, raising four wonderful children: James Sandford and his wife, Merrily; Elizabeth Snitz and her husband, Ed; Susan Byers and her husband, Michael; and Marcie Justice and her husband, Gary. Charles was also the proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren: Tommy Snitz, Katie Snitz, Tate Sandford, Alexis Sandford, Jacob Byers, Brooke Byers, Conner Justice, Dylan Justice, Tyler Justice, Hudson Justice, and Hannah Justice, who brought immense joy to his life. A proud alumnus of Azle High School, Charles graduated in 1961 and went on to earn a degree in Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1960. He was a talented athlete, having played football under the legendary "Bear Bryant." Charles loved recounting his college adventures to his grandchildren, filling their hearts with stories of camaraderie and youthful ambition. Professionally, Charles was an accomplished engineer, dedicating his career to ExxonMobil and SAP until his retirement in 2000. His sharp mind and meticulous nature left a lasting impact on his work and colleagues, earning him respect and admiration from all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Beyond his professional achievements, Charles was a man of faith and community. As an active member of Second Baptist Church for over many years, he served as the head of the Stewardship Committee and was instrumental in acquiring land for the existing North Campus under Forest Cove Baptist Church. His commitment to his community and his church was unwavering, and his contributions will be felt for generations to come. Charles found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially when surrounded by family and friends. He was a devoted fan of football and baseball, passionately cheering for his beloved Aggies and Astros. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, pursuits that connected him to the natural world and provided cherished moments of peace and reflection. Above all, Charles will be remembered for his loving and supportive nature. His stories, wisdom, and gentle humor enriched the lives of those around him, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he met. A service to celebrate Charles's remarkable life will be held on April 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, North Campus. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Loving Care Homes for the compassionate care provided to Charles in his final weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of Charles, who was a beacon of kindness and generosity. Charles William Sandford, Jr.'s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him. His life was a brilliant tapestry of love, strength, and resilience, and he will be dearly missed.