John Chapman Sanford, III (Sandy), 83, of South Haven, MS, passed away June 19, 2025. Sandy was born to John Chapman Sanford, II and Emily Webb Sanford in Mobile, Alabama on October 10, 1941.  He attended Murphy High School in Mobile, graduating in 1959. He received both music and athletic (tennis) scholarships to attend Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham, AL, where he graduated in 1964, with a degree in Business Administration. While at that college, he met the love of his life, Martha Sue Hale, while both were singing in the A Cappella Choir. They were married on August 3, 1963, in Atmore, Alabama, which was Martha Sue's home town.

Upon graduation from college, he began his career working in Winfield, Alabama as Personnel Manager for a large company there, and while there, their first child was born, Emily Turner Sanford. Both Sandy and Martha Sue missed the great and beautiful city of Birmingham so he sought and found a work opportunity there, and they moved back to that city they loved.  Their son, John Chapman Sanford, IV was born soon after.  They made Birmingham home, however, they lived in London for a while, as his job required. He traveled extensively in Europe and America throughout his career.

Sandy was a true business leader, and had great success in all endeavors, including the buying growing and selling of companies.  He was a true entrepreneur with an outgoing personality, never meeting a stranger, loving his family and friends and was always there to help anyone when needed.  He was a member of Mensa, a member of Rotary International, and played a leadership role in Samford University Alumni Association, A Capella Choir in particular.

He and Martha Sue were active in showing others how to study the bible by Rightly Dividing, and shared the Grace message in their home for years.  No telling how many lives were touched through them, with that message. Sandy loved to play tennis and golf in his younger years.  He loved Alabama Football, he loved to grow flowers for his yard from seed (his yard was outstanding), he loved to cook, especially seafood from the Gulf (his Gumbo was unforgettable). He loved to sing and play the guitar, for all to hear.  He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Sandy is preceded in death by his parents; and by his wife Martha Sue by just 6 weeks.  Sandy and Martha Sue were married for 62 years.

He is survived by his daughter Emily Turner Sanford Hugh (Mark), his son John Sanford, lV, his granddaughter Emily Hugh Blakeney (Connor), his grandson James Hugh (Kaylee), his granddaughter Amie Stanley, sisters Sydney Sanford Dranka (Pete), and Kay Sanford Gonzales (Joe), and sister-in-law Jonni Lynn Hale Oakes (Bill). He is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.

Family will accept friends at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home in Atmore, AL on July 11, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Graveside service will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore, AL with Bro. Nolan Butler officiating.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.