Dwight Preston Sanford

Life’s Journey

On Saturday, May 5, 1962, in Bay City, Texas Preston George Allen and Myrtle Louise Sanford welcomed their baby boy, Dwight Preston Sanford into the world. He attended Markham Elementary, Tidehaven Junior High School and graduated from Tidehaven High School in El Maton, Texas in 1982. He loved Tidehaven Independent School District so much that he stayed there; he was hired and worked in the maintenance department for many, many years. He occasionally helped transport the kids to basketball games and even did a little coaching.

Dwight was a very faithful servant of the Lord. Dwight was baptized at an early age and became a member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Rudolph Martin. During his membership at Pilgrim Rest, he was a member of The Brotherhood, sung in the choir and served as a trustee. Dwight was ordained as a deacon of Pilgrim Rest on Saturday, October 22, 2022, under the leadership of Rev. James Ashton, Jr. He loved the Lord and studying God’s word during Bible Study and Brotherhood.

Dwight was a referee with the Brazosport Basketball Chapter. He enjoyed running up and down the court blowing his whistle from 2000 to 2024. He received an award from the Brazosport Chapter for his dependability and dedication in 2023 -2024. His favorite hobbies were fishing and riding his motorcycle.

Dwight departed his life on earth to a life in heaven Saturday, December 14, 2024.  He will be remembered by his warm smile and great sense of humor.  Those who will often reflect on these and other precious memories include his sons; Dwight (DaRai) Bell of Rosharon, TX., Jeremy (Amber) Sanford of Markham, TX, Terrence Bell and Shaneton Bell all of Cedar Lake, TX; one goddaughter, Kerissa Wiley of Houston, TX; a special friend, Emma Bell of Cedar Lake, TX; twelve grandchildren: Makayla Sanford, Jayden Sanford, Arilyn Sanford, Adalyn Sanford, Khaison Bell, Shaneton Bell, Jr., Aubrey Bell, Raiya Bell, Remi Bell, DaKota Bell, Aaliyah Vickers and Mayah Trevino; stepfather: Roosevelt (Nina) George of Bay City, TX; six sisters: Willie Mae Sardinea, Ruby Young, Carolyn Sanford, Annette (Aaron) Green, LaTonya George all of Markham, TX. and Nicole Davis of Bay City, TX; one stepsister: Gwen Jackson of Bay City; five brothers: Leon Sanford (Judy) of Richmond, TX., Marvin Sanford of Bay City, TX., Aeric (Leticia) Walton of Murietta, California, Kevin (Kelly) Davis of Palacios, TX and Roosevelt (Elisha) Randle of Bay City, TX; twenty nieces: Saquania Mouton, Kenadi (Bryan) Washington, Zariah Dodds, Ciara Edwards, Ashley (Jason) Purpich, Melissa Williams, Aesha Sanford, Hitaji Sanford, Jackie Drake, Ashanda (Reggie) Nolton, LaWanna Lewis, Jackie (Mike) Franklin, Tirkza Friersen, Alsheena Williams, Doris Williams, Rachael (Avery) Watkins,  Walanda Colbert, Aronda Green, Tynesha Green and Tylesha Matthews; eleven nephews: Barrette Sardinea, Aric (Estefania) Sardinea, Cedo Sardinea, III, Larry (Shemyra) Sanford, Joseph Dodds,  Gregory Morgan, Reginald Moore, Jermaine (Jessica) Sanford, Marcus Williams, Aeric Walton II and Arrold Walton; two uncles: Bobby Flagg of Bay City, TX and Alfred Blackmon of Van Vleck, TX; two aunts: Alfreda Robinson of Houston and Martha Brown of Bay City, TX: along with a host of great nieces and great nephews, cousins, relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Dwight was preceded in death by his son: Chicarus Vickers; his parents: Preston Allen and Myrtle Sanford; grandparents; Clay Brazil, Odessa Flagg, Barney Allen, Sr. and Alfreda Allen; and brothers: Otis Robinson and Alphonso Williams.

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