Jesse Theodore Sanford

Jesse Theodore (Ted) Sanford, age 69, passed away on January 27, 2013 after a strong fight with cancer at Mt. Carmel East Hospital in Columbus Ohio. He was born on October 15,1943 in Xenia Ohio. Tooty, as he was affectionately known as, was the youngest of three children. He attended East High School in Columbus Ohio. After high school he continued his education at Columbus State University, (formally known as CTI). In 1976 Ted relocated to Los Angeles California to pursue his dream as a stand- up comic. Don Bexley, known by his character name (Bubba) from Sanford and Son, watched Ted perform at a local comedy club in Los Angeles. He was impressed by the way he delivered his skit. He told Ted that his style of comedy reminded him of Red Foxx. While comedy was his passion, Ted realized that California wasn’t like Columbus Ohio. He decided that he needed to earn a living that would allow him a place to stay and food to eat. Ted decided that teaching was something he could do to earn a living while still continuing his career in comedy. Ted had become very proficient in Spanish. He began teaching English as Second Language (ESL). Ted would say that some of his comedy material came from his class room. “Hispanics are some of the funniest people in the world, they won’t drive a Chevy Nova because in Spanish it means (doesn’t go), but they will put 30 people in one Pinto.” Ted continued his career in the Los Angeles school district for seventeen years. While he never got an opportunity to continue his dream to make people laugh professionally, he never seemed let a day go by without joke that would make some ones day. His love for playing pool allowed him an opportunity to get away from the everyday struggles of life. For most people playing pool was for fun, but for Ted it was something he truly loved. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Dorietha Sanford; sister, Margaret; niece, Kelli; brother, William; grandparents, Theodore and Margaret Sanford, Verlin and Lucretia Stanhope. He is survived by his son, Guy Sanford of Houston Texas, his sister Cynthia Carter of Columbus Ohio, and his granddaughters Lauren and Ashley Sanford of Houston Texas. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and his devoted friend and companion, Kim Smith. He will be missed by his close and special friends, Dickey Lacy, Keith Stephens and Tommy Anderson.