Aug. 14, 1933 — Jan. 12, 2018

Ray Sanford, 84, of Niles, passed away Thursday, Jan. 12, 2018, at his home.

A celebration of life Service will be held noon, Monday Jan. 22, 2018, at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan with Pastor ED Slate officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan. Friends may visit from 10 a.m. until noon, Monday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Buchanan Moose Lodge 449. Those wishing to share a memory of Ray online may do so at swemchapel.com

Ray was born Aug. 14, 1933, in Niles  to Thomas and Viola (Macklin) Sanford. He graduated from Niles High School. Ray then served is Country in the United States Navy from 1952 until 1956. Military rites will be presented by the American Legion post 51 and Great Lakes Honor Team. On Nov. 22, 1957, he married Sue Markham in Angola, Indiana. Ray worked for Clark Equipment for many years. In his spare time he enjoyed camping, fishing, spend time with his family and wood working especially in his shop Uncle Rays “Toys.”

Ray is survived by his sister Alice Bradford; many nieces, nephews; and numerous great nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sue and siblings Vera Thompson, Max Sanford and Wesley Sanford.