Robert Max Sanford

Robert Max Sanford, Rabbit to all his friends, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Baptist Tipton after a brief illness. He was born June 19, 1940, in Covington, Tennessee, to Jack Carter Sanford, Sr. and Jessie Alma Max Sanford who were doting parents. He had an idyllic childhood growing up in the historic district in Covington. The friendships developed in those early years led to lifelong relationships that most aren't fortunate to experience. Rabbit graduated from Byars Hall High School in 1958. He lived in Memphis while attending and graduating from Memphis State University with a Bachelor of Science degree and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He returned to Covington, joining his father in business at Sanford Hardware, a fixture on the Covington Square until his retirement in 2019. Robert was a member of Covington First United Methodist Church, where he held several leadership roles throughout the years. He was also involved in many civic organizations, such as the Rotary Club and was a supporter of the Covington Tipton County Junior Auxiliary. He served on the Board of Directors of Tri County Federal, First State Bank and Union Planters. Rabbit was a member of the Covington Country Club where he was faithful to attend morning coffee and afternoon "bonding" with his closest friends. He golfed every Sunday and Wednesday afternoons with Joe Naifeh, Sammy Wagner, John Shoaf and the late Bill Holloway. Robert is preceded in death by his loving parents, Jack Carter Sanford, Sr. and Jessie Alma Max Sanford; brother, Dr. Jack Sanford, Jr. of Memphis; his wife, Ann Harrison Sanford; and son, Jeff Harrison Sanford. Left to remember his legacy are his wife, Jan O. Sanford; son, Robert "Rob" Max Sanford, Jr. (Daphne); daughter, Erin O. Baddour (George Robert); grandchildren, Britt Sanford, Max (Ashley) Sanford, George Weston and Raegan Osborn Baddour; and great-grandchildren, Kaia Lane Sanford and Bryce Carter Sanford. He also leaves 3 nieces, Annie Kate Worley, Shelley Owen, and Jessica Tackett and their families. Memorials in memory of Robert may be made to Covington First United Methodist Church PreSchool at 145 West Church Avenue, Covington, TN 38019. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, May 16, at Covington First United Methodist Church with interment to follow in R.H. Munford Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.