Sanford Byrd Wilson
1928-2017
Sanford (Sandy) Byrd Wilson, 88, of Edmond, went home to be with The Lord on January 7, 2017, after a short illness. Sandy was born on June 20, 1928, to Wayne P. and Ruth Wilson in Enid. Sandy grew up in many small southwestern Oklahoma towns and graduated from Thomas High School in 1946. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served in the Occupation Forces in Italy until his discharge March 18, 1948.
He graduated from Southwestern University in Weatherford, with a B.A. in Business in May, 1952, and began working at Conoco Oil Company. Sandy married the love of his life, Jo Ann Fruit, on December 20, 1952, and they raised their two sons in Ponca City. He retired from Conoco in 1987, and Jo Ann and he moved to Edmond in 1993 to be close to their sons’ families.
Sandy enjoyed sports, especially OU football. His greatest love was watching his grandchildren participate in school programs and sports. His grandchildren called him Papa as did all of their friends. He was a godly man, whose kindness, generosity, and wit will be greatly missed.
Sandy was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and sister. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jo Ann, sons Dan (Beth) and Allen (Sandy), all of Edmond; six grandchildren, Katie (Chad) Stuewe, Jonathan (Jamie) Wilson, David (Natasha) Wilson, Bekah (Cameron) Capps, Bryan Wilson, and Mallory Wilson; two great-grandsons, Patrick and Parker Wilson, and his faithful dog Maggie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children. Services will be at 11 a.m., January 13, at Quail Springs Baptist Church, 14613 N. May Avenue, Oklahoma City.