John "Mike" Michael Sanford

He was born April 4, 1956, in New Albany, Mississippi to Geneva Sanford-Combs and Jessie Herman Sanford.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother; father; brother, Timothy Sanford, and Becky’s son, Joshua Woodson.

Surviving are the love of his life, Becky Woodson; one daughter, Stefanie (Nick) Metzgar; three brothers, Jim (Pat) Sanford, Bobby (Pam) Sanford and Paul (Teri) Sanford; Becky’s four sons, Davey (Sidney) Woodson, Jeremy (Hannah) Woodson, Matt Woodson, Adam Woodson; his Uncle Terry and Aunt Judy Maxcy, and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

He also leaves behind Steve Schmidgall, Patti Tate, Julie Schmidgall, and his extended family, Pambi Kinworthy and her children.

Mike graduated high school at Manual in 1974. Throughout the years of his career, he really enjoyed painting with his brother Bobby. He later went on to his transporting career with Precision Air Cargo where he delivered items all over the country.

Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors whether it was working on the lawn and garden with Becky or hunting with his friends Kevin and Gary Geott. He loved to spend time with his grandkids and watching them play sports. Mike’s favorite saying when asked how he was doing was “Just Peachy”. He also loved his nickname that Pambi and her kids gave him, which was “Sweet Cheeks”.

A gathering celebrating Mike’s life will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. November 3, 2024 at the American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville.

Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent via VENMO (@Mama-Woody) to help Becky with final expenses.

To express condolences online visit, www.preston-hanley.com