Roll Call Tribute

Tommie Eugene Sanford 

August 25, 1929 - January 11, 2024 

Tommie (Tom) Eugene Sanford, Ph.D., a long-time Bryan-College Station educator and businessman, died peacefully at home on January 11, 2024. Born in Longview, Texas on August 25, 1929, he was 94 years old and battled a series of illnesses in his final years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Velma Love Thomas and Jesse Manfield Sanford, his siblings Dean, Juanita and Dorothy and former wife, Virginia Welch Sanford. He was also predeceased by his first wife Maxine Buchanan, the mother of his daughters Elaine and Kellye. Tom and Maxine met and married while completing undergraduate studies at the University of Texas.

He is survived by his wife of 38-years, Barbara T. Sanford, Ph.D., and her children and their spouses — Kimberly and husband Joel Smith, son Kenneth and wife Valarie Loveless. He is also survived by his daughters and their spouses — Elaine Zubiaga and husband Julio Zubiaga, Kellye Sanford and husband John Fritz Lanham. He also leaves 9 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

After several years as a meteorologist in the Air Force and obtaining his Ph.D. at Texas A&M, Tom built a long career teaching science and math at Bryan High School, Blinn College and Texas A&M University.

A modest and unassuming man of many talents, Tom built a second career as a business owner, Insurance agent and real estate broker. But his greatest love was teaching. He recognized talent in others and helped foster it.

Tom valued time at church and with family and friends. He was active in his congregation, encouraged his children’s academic success, coached their softball team, and applauded their piano recitals. Known for his dry wit, he was liked by people all ages.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center, 3001 S. College Ave. Bryan, Texas 77801.