Sanford Doyle Churchill Jr., 61, of New Albany, Mississippi, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
Sanford was born on December 14, 1964, in New Albany, Mississippi, to Sanford Doyle Churchill Sr. and Susie Churchill. After suffering a heart attack in November 2025, he fought through eight long months of surgeries, setbacks, and recovery with incredible strength. Even on the hardest days, he never quit fighting. His determination, faith, and love for his family carried him through every challenge.
He was a faithful member of Bethlehem Church in Potts Camp, Mississippi.
For 27 years, Sanford owned and operated a flooring and interior finish company. He worked hard, treated people fairly, and was always willing to help anyone who needed it.
Sanford loved spending time outdoors. Whether he was on the golf course, fishing, working, traveling, or simply enjoying time with family, he found joy in life’s everyday moments. Above all, he cherished being “Papa” to his grandchildren. They were the light of his life, and some of his happiest moments were spent making memories with them.
He will be remembered as a great father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend. He loved to joke, laugh, and pick at the people he cared about. If he was giving you a hard time, you knew he liked you. He had a giving heart and was always ready to help someone in need.
He is survived by his sons, Chris Churchill (Natalie) and Trey Churchill (Christian); his grandchildren, Lucas, Leah, Teddy, Hudson, Windham, and Norah; his sisters, Karen Churchill and Vickie Rooker; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sanford Doyle Churchill Sr. and Susie Churchill, and his younger brother, Randy Churchill.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service following at 1:00 p.m. Services will be held at the Bethlehem Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Potts Camp. Burial will follow in the Salem Baptist Cemetery where a graveside service will be held.
Sanford will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. His love for God, his family, and his friends, along with his kindness, humor, and willingness to help others, will be remembered by all whose lives he touched.