? - Elmer Eugene "Gene" Sanford, 80, of Danese, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at his home.

Born February 4, 1943, in Rainelle, West Virginia, he was the son of Theda Ferrice Sanford and the late Elmer Homer Sanford of Rainelle.

Gene began his working career in a government position in the Washington, D.C. area at the age of 17. He missed the mountains, so he moved back to Greenbrier County and worked as a coal miner, when he met the love of his life, Patricia "Trish" Hanshew. Gene once again headed out of state to Michigan, taking an office position, then returned to marry Patricia (a day before her high school graduation...crazy kids!) Gene and Patricia also lived in Maryland where he painted cars at Chrysler for a short time becoming foreman of the paint line. They eventually returned to settle in Danese to raise their 4 children.

Gene was a bass singer for many gospel quartets and trios, traveling and singing at churches and venues all across West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. He also truly enjoyed the outdoors. Especially deer hunting. He hunted and fished until he was no longer physically able to do so. (He also made some really great deer jerky). He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

For years, he fought a brave and valiant battle against heart disease and kidney failure. He did it to buy extra years with his wife and family. He was a fighter. In fact, many years ago, he once fell from a tree stand while deer hunting, suffering multiple compound fractures of both ankles and dragged himself a half mile to his truck using only his arms. He drove home using a stick to operate the gas and brake pedal, where he called for help and was airlifted to lifesaving medical care. Yes, Gene was a fighter. Oh, and he once hit a black bear while driving his 1983 Dodge Magnum with the entire family in the car. It knocked the bear out. He exited the car to check on the bear, which then awoke, stood on its hind legs just a few yards away, took a quick look at Gene, and decided to run off into the woods. Yes, Gene was brave.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Homer Sanford, sister Gail Bowles, son Joseph Sanford, and great grandson, Wyatt Ayers.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 (2 months short of 60) years, Patricia Sanford; his mother Theda Ferrice Sanford; two daughters Sue Sanford of Rainelle, Lisa James (Jack) of Mt. Hope, and a son Mike Sanford (Karen) of Powell, Ohio; grandchildren Kelsie Ayers (James) of Lester, Cierra James of Mt. Hope, and Owen Sanford of Powell, OH; great grandchildren Brady Mason, Caysen Ayers, and Westyn Ayers of Lester; brothers Roger Sanford (Brenda) of Richmond, VA, and Ronnie Sanford of Berkeley Springs and sisters Deloris Carroll of Renick, and Bobbie Teague of LaFollette, TN.

Services will be Sunday, April 2nd, at Smathers Funeral Chapel with Pastor Kermit Hunter officiating.

Burial will follow in the Wallace and Wallace Cemetery in Clintonville.

The family will receive friends an hour and a half before the service from 12:30 -2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Smathers Funeral Chapel, Inc. Rainelle, West Virginia.