Willie Andrew Sanford
Sunrise - December 31st, 1943 - Sunset - July 19th, 2020
Willie Andrew Sanford, was born December 31, 1943 in Mcintyre, Georgia to the union of Walter Adam and Gussie Mae Sanford. At the tender age of three, his parents decided to relocate to Detroit Michigan, along with hi oldest brother, Walter Jr. now with the family in Michigan three more children were born and the family of five was settled.
While growing up in Detroit, he attended Jose Campau Elementary and North Eastern High School. With his facetious humor, he would tell his children he had to walk three miles to school uphill, in the snow but the schools were literally right across the street from his childhood home on Mitchell St.
Willie eyed the love of his life Doris Jackson while they both attended North Eastern High School. They were high school sweethearts and during the short time of their courtship, their love grew stronger and they knew they were meant to be . Upon graduation their hearts locked and the two never separated.
Aspiring more out of life than what Detroit or it's factories had to offer. Willie enlisted into the United States Navy in January of 1962. Immediately after returning from bootcamp he claimed his love and married her on June 12, 1962in Detroit, Michigan. Willie served in the U.S. Navy as a dental Technician during Vietnam and was also a member of the Navy Band yielding his shiny brass trumpet during ceremonies.
The union of Willie and Doris brought about three children, William Andrew Sanford, Yolawnda Ladonna Sanford and Douglas Andrew Sanford each of their children were born in different location due to Willie's deployments; South Carolina, San Diego and Las Vegas. In 1966, Willie & Doris moved their family to Las Vegas because of the Secret Naval Base in Nevada and it became their home. As a dedicated family man Willie worked to provide for his family, while he and Doris were thousand miles away from their families in Detroit, Michigan.
Once settled in Las Vegas, he worked at first Interstate Bank as one of the first African American bank tellers. Willie also worked at the Nevada test site as a security officer and with that experience he later worked at the infamous Thunderbird Hotel & Casino. He also spent time working for Sears & Robucks CO. In the credit approval department and even was a bus driver for CCSD. However 'Will" affectionately called by some, served a dedicated 35 years as a crap dealer at Bally's Casino formally known as the MGM Grand . By God's grace, he was off work the day the widely televised MGM fired occurred. His work ethic spoke for itself as he earned numerous quality control and customer service awards.
After retiring from Bally's Willie spent his retired years spending quality time with his wife Doris, hanging with his grandchildren and great grandchildren or shopping at Lowe's. If we fail to mention how handy he was with hands and tools there would be a price to pay. He could be found doing all types of repairs including electrical, plumbing, auto repairs, ETC. You name it Willie could do it. On one occasion it's remembered how he came home to a hole in the wall because his love Doris wanted to change the floor plan of their second home. When he told her it couldn't be done she took a hammer and put holes in the walls right where she wanted the new access after he left for work. Well of course he was surprised but all she told him him was, "Baby you can fix it" she was always the wind beneath his wings! Shortly after retirement, Willie began to live a life with Parkinson's Disease. While this diagnosis was unexpected, it never stopped him from enjoying life. He continued doing the things he enjoyed. It may have taken a bit longer or even been a bit dangerous but nothing was stopping him.
Those who knew Willie knew that he was very stylish; from his hat to his shoes everything had to be "Top Notch". Willie's style didn't stop at his clothing but extended to his vehicles, high quality jewelry and food. It was very common to find him eating a steak or lobster on a seemingly often occasion. While out dining he would often tell others with him, "Get what you want". As he would sit back in a humble fashion and just enjoy his family.
His Charismatic personality was priceless and his smile infectious. He was soft spoken and always had a word of encouragement, wisdom and/or advice when you needed it. He and Doris had no choice except to become parents of all the friends their children would bring home, not because they necessarily wanted too but because they were adopted by so many. A father to more than his own children and an example to all of what a man should be. he was a husband, father, protector and provider. He will be remembered by many nicknames to those touched "Honey", "Dad", "Granddaddy", Dollar Bill", "King" & "Hardways Will" Oh yea! If on the craps table any players placed a tip on the "Hardways" for the dealers, They could always count on Willie to call the "Hardways" hince "Hardways Will".
Willie did not speak of his faith often and you would not see him in church every Sunday or praying before he went to sleep. However, he would fellowship with his family at their ministries everytime he was invited. His favorite church hymmn was "I'm going up yonder" and he accepted Christ as his Lord and savior.
