Kenneth Bynum Sandiford

Kenneth Bynum Sandiford passed away at age 92 on April 21, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born on August 30, 1933 to John Pierpont Sandiford Sr. and Bertha Mae (Shilston) Sandiford in Pensacola, Florida, where he resided until he moved to Alpharetta, Georgia in 2010 to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lt. Col. John Pierpont “Buddy” Sandiford Jr., and his sister Lillian Bryars. He is survived by his wife, Mona Fletcher Sandiford; daughter, Stephanie Owens (Randy); son, Kenneth “David” Sandiford (Jacqueline); grandchildren Sam, Mary Caroline, and Olivia Owens, and Allison, Amanda, and Molly Sandiford; his sister, Mollie Rich; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ken graduated from Tate High School in 1951 and received an Associate Certification in Arts from Pensacola Junior College. He then went on to serve in the US Army for two years, stationed in Fort Meade and specializing in cryptography. Post-service, he returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Science in Social Studies from Florida State University. He remained a lifelong Seminole fan, and cheered them on for decades. Ken also earned a Guidance Certification from the University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Science in Secondary Education from the University of South Alabama, and an Administration & Supervision Certification from the University of West Florida. He began his career in education as a fifth grade teacher at Bellview Elementary School, but spent the bulk of his career at Escambia High School. More than the positions he held, Ken valued the relationships he built with students and colleagues. Ken was an instrumental part of Escambia High School, serving on the first faculty as an American History teacher. He became the Dean of Boys, Head of the Guidance Counseling Department, and Curriculum Coordinator at Escambia, before leaving to be the Assistant Principal at Pine Forest High School. After a handful of years, he returned to Escambia as Principal. Ken retired in 1996 after a distinguished career in education, not only defined by his accomplishments but by the countless lives he impacted. Throughout his life, Ken was a dedicated member of the Elks Lodge, the American Legion, Karnival Kavaliers, the Krewe of Lafitte, the Escambia Educator’s Camping Club, the Northwest Florida Pinseekers Senior Golf Association, the Sandcrabs Senior Golf Association, First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, and Alpharetta Methodist Church. He taught Sunday School for years and coached Little League baseball. Ken lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed music, specifically Creedence Clearwater Revival, and he loved dancing with his wife, daughter, and granddaughters. He solved crossword and sudoku puzzles daily. He loved to play golf, which he did with his son and grandson. In his retirement, he and Mona spent much of their time creating family memories at their houseboat on Lake Lanier. He loved his dog Kodi, who he called the best dog in the world. Ken was a great storyteller, whether fictional or true. He loved his family fiercely, and made sure they knew it, always saying “we are so blessed.” He and Mona celebrated 64 years of marriage last November, and he maintained she is the prettiest girl he’s ever seen. Ken was a devoted father to his two children and their spouses, and he cherished his relationships with his grandchildren, giving each one their own nickname. He was the light of the family, and everyone who met him loved him. A visitation for family and friends in the Atlanta area is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, at 2:00-4:00 at Northside Chapel, 12050 Crabapple Rd, Roswell, GA. Services in Pensacola are scheduled for Saturday, May 2.Visitation begins at 1:00 with a service starting at 2:00 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL.Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park, 3351 Scenic Highway 90E, Pensacola, FL. Donations may be made in his memory to Escambia High School, with 'Ken Sandiford Memorial Fund' noted in the memo line, and mailed to 1310 North 65th Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32506.

Kenneth Bynum Sandiford

August 30, 1933 - April 21, 2026