Benjamin Sanford, 80 of Clewiston passed away October 4th. Ben was born on October 12, 1930 in Greenwood, Mississippi to the late Benjamin F. Sanford, Sr. and the late Frankie (Sally) Sanford. He graduated from Greenwood high School Class of 1948. Ben played the trumpet both in high school and college band. Upon graduating with a degree in Engineering from Mississippi State University he moved to Clewiston in 1953 and worked for United States Sugar Corporation for 43 years. Ben loved Clewiston “America’s Sweetest Town.” He proudly served on the Clewiston Fire Department for 56 years. He was a Certified Fire Fighter/ first responder. Ben loved flying. He was a pilot with the Civil Air Patrol for many years and served on the Hendry County Airport advisory board. He was honored with the Outstanding Community Service Award of Clewiston in 2009. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church, a Mason, avid golfer, pilot, computer tech and photographer. Ben could fix anything and had a strong passion for learning new things. His love of music has inspired his children and grandchildren.

Ben is survived by his wife Margie of 60 years; his children Ben Allison Sanford of Okeechobee, Stacey (Andy) Gordon of Virginia Beach, Rebecca (Vinnie) Burgess of San Diego; his grandchildren Ben Quinn, James Sanford, Herald Sanford, Carley Gordon, Aubrey Gordon and Chris Burgess. He is also survived by his brother Dewey (Patricia) of Grenada, MS.

A memorial service is planned for Thursday, November 3rd at the First Baptist Church in Clewiston at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to the First Baptist Church of Clewiston or a charity of choice.

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