Mikel Wayne Sanford , 55, of Center, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m.  David Sanford and Chris Dockens will officiate.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mikel was born November 15, 1965, in Center, Texas, to Robert and Nell Newberry Sanford.

He is survived by his son, Dustin Sanford of Center; daughters, Montanna Sanford of Channelview and Lexie Sanford of Spring; grandchildren, Gracie Sanford and Paisley Windham; stepson, Bradley Richards of Center; step granddaughter, Kiersten Richards of Center; brothers, Robert Sanford of Shelbyville, Tennessee and David Sanford and wife Shauna of Center; sisters, Linda Adams (O'Neal McCauley) of Nacogdoches, Betty Byrd and husband Bill of Channelview, Oveta Pyburn and husband James of Nashville, Tennessee, Vada Skelton and husband Jimmy of Garrison, and Jeannie Moore of Groveton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nell Newberry Sanford; brother, W.C. Sanford; sister, Ada Rasberry; and brother-in-law, Granville Rasberry; grandparents, William and Annie Sanford and Cara and Beatrice Newberry.

Pallbearers will be Chris Dockens, Devin Sanford, Dakota Sanford, Troy Keele, Robert Sneed, Julian Windham, Keith Shields, and Christopher Dockens.

A special thanks to Gwen Grumbles and Tristin Nelams of Affinity Hospice.  Also, special thanks to very special friend, Chris Dockens and his mother, Ruth Ann Dockens.