Sanford Leonard, son of the late Moses Leonard and Essie Mae Lowe Leonard, was born in Blakely, Georgia on April 26, 1950.

He received his formal education in the Early County School System where he participated in various school organizations, activities, and events.

Throughout his childhood, Sanford was nurtured in the word of God.  At  an early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.  Through the years, he was a faithful servant of the Lord and willingly served wherever needed.

Sanford was a very conscientious, hardworking individual who gave his very best at whatever he did.  Through the years, he taught his sons the value of hard work as he labored tirelessly at Perdue Farms.  Sanford worked in various capacities at Perdue and was hailed as a committed, dedicated, and reliable employee.  In the midst of declining health, he retired having rendered innumerable years of loyal service.  After retirement, he relocated to Dawson, Georgia; but, later returned to Blakely where he resided until his demise.

Family and friends meant the world to Sanford and he delighted in spending quality time with them.  He was a kind, generous man who greeted each day with a smile and was always "on call" to help anyone in need.  He had a big heart for all things in life.  Sanford was the best companion, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend that anyone could ever have.  Along with his ability to laugh and love unconditionally, he was the comrade and acceptor of people as they were.  Truly, he was a man of honor and will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of being a part of his life.

On May 5, 2020, Sanford was called to eternal rest.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Roderick Salter; and three siblings, Robert Leonard, Sr., John T. Leonard, and Mozelle Leonard.

He leaves a legacy of love that will be cherished by his sons, Jeffrey (Allison) Salter of Arlington, GA, Michael (Jerrica) Salter of Sacramento, CA, and Edward (Georgette) Salter of Blakely, GA; his long-time companion, Viola Salter; siblings, Manual Leonard of Blakely, GA, Cora Miller of Palatka, FL, Annie Miller of Newark, NJ, Winifred (Earl) Foster of Stone Mountain, GA, Emma Dennis of Albany, GA, and Velma (Jerry) Williams of Miami, FL; nine grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.