JACKSONVILLE  -  Gilbert Donald Sanford, 83, of Jacksonville, North Carolina passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, on February 15, 2026, at Onslow Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville Chapel with Rev. Larry Sitzes and Rev. Bobby Williams officiating. Burial will be private with family only.

Gilbert was born on March 2, 1942, in Henderson, North Carolina to the late Fred Sanford and Maude Faucette Sanford. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his siblings, Gene Sanford, Marshall Sanford, Betty Lou Pegram, Richard Sanford, and Freddie Sanford; grandchildren, Joshua and Shaina, and great-grandchild, Baby Harrell.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Maxine Sanford; children, Donnie Sanford (Charlene), Tony Sanford (Tammy), Teresa Duke (Brent), and Jennifer Parker (Perry); grandchildren, Anthony Sanford (Holly), Emily Patteson (Jarrot), Blair Sanford (Derrick Williams), Nikki Harrell (Josh), Brooke Duke, Jennifer N. Parker, and John Parker; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Katie, Brandt, Chason, Coby, Cassia, Axell Gilbert, and Huckson; sisters, Sylvia Arnold, Nell-Rose Clark, and Carolyn Denton.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home, Jacksonville.