John Carlton Sandeford, 74, formerly of Roanoke Rapids, died Friday, March 25, 2011, in West Columbia, SC.

John was born May 15, 1936 in Roanoke Rapids, the son of the late Archlet Jarrett Sandeford and Sudie Ezzell Sandeford Cumbia. He was also preceded in death by his loving stepfather, Thomas Jefferson Cumbia; his sister, Sudie Elmina Sandeford Shearin, and three brothers, William “Bud” Jarrett Sandeford, Samuel “Sam” Elmore Sandeford and Charles Richard Sandeford. He served his country in the U. S. Navy. John sold insurance for 25 years and was a business owner until retiring in 2006.

He is survived by his former wife, Pauline H. Sandeford of Greenville, NC; three daughters, Teresa Sandeford Reynolds and her husband, Greg, of Carolina Beach, NC, Wanda Sandeford of Grimesland, NC, and Cindy Sandeford Lewis and her husband, Wayne, of Forest, VA; nine grandchildren, Kristen Riggs Moore and her husband, Keith, of Farmville, NC, Justin Brooks Foster of Burlington, NC, Sarah Lewis Huggins and her husband, Wayne, of California, MD, Mark Bryant Lewis of Roanoke, VA, Kaitlin Leigh Riggs of Wilmington, NC, Matthew Faison Lewis of Forest, VA, Marissa Grace Reynolds of Carolina Beach, NC, Joseph Wright Lupton of Grimesland, NC and Hope Qing Lewis of Forest, VA; two great-grandchildren, Barry Keith Moore, III and Kolton Bryce Moore; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Sandeford of Prattsville, AL and Annette Sandeford of Roanoke Rapids; a special and loving friend, Sheila F. Hook and their dog, Prissy, of Columbia, SC who stayed by his side; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Askew Funeral & Cremation Services, 731 Roanoke Ave, Roanoke Rapids, NC is handling the arrangements, where the family will receive friends on Sunday, March 27, from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. followed by funeral services in the chapel at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Grady Harmon officiating. Burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Cemetery in Roanoke Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the McConnell-Raab Hope Lodge, 930A Wellness Dr., Greenville, NC 27834.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half staff in honor of Mr. Sandeford’s service to his country.