Leroy Joseph Sanford passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024, in Oviedo, Fla. after relocating there several years ago to be with his daughter. He was the beloved son of the late Corine and Herman Williams. Mr. Sanford was born in Marshall, Texas on Jan. 7, 1935, and moved to Shreveport, La. at the age of five. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School where he excelled academically before entering Grambling College, from which he graduated at age 20 in 1955.

Following graduation from Grambling, Mr. Sanford began a distinguished career in the Lake Charles public school system. He advanced steadily through the ranks from teacher to principal to supervisor. While teaching, he earned a Master of Education degree from McNeese State University in 1965 followed by a Master’s Degree plus 30 graduate hours. He continued to build on his accomplishments with appointments as Director of the Title 1 Program and Assistant Superintendent of the Calcasieu Parish School System. After more than four decades of exceptional service to public schools where more than once he was the first African-American to hold certain positions, Mr. Sanford retired and served as principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School as well as director of a substance abuse and prevention program. He was a Charter Member of the Zeta Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Janice Mayfield Sanford, and his son, Lyle Joseph Sanford.

Mr. Sanford leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his daughter, Lisa Sanford Champagne; a granddaughter, Christina C. Holford (Jordan); a grandson, Sean Champagne; a great-granddaughter, Charlotte Champagne; four nieces; five nephews; one brother-in-law, Freeman Mattox, and a host of additional relatives and friends. Visitation will be Tuesday May 28, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Combre Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be Tuesday May 28, 2024 at 11 a.m. in Combre Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Combre Funeral Home. Words of comfort may be shared at www.combrefuneralhome.com.