Earnest Lee Sanford, 53, of Gastonia, NC passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Caromount Regional Medical Center in Gastonia.  

A celebration of his life is scheduled for 2:30 pm on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Contending for the Faith Church Ministries, 1006 Academy Street, Wilson, NC.  Dr. Damion Royal will deliver the eulogy.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home, 1820 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy., Wilson, NC.

Condolences may be posted to www.stevensfamilyfuneralhome.com or faxed to 252-991-5849.

"Committed to Serve, Committed to Care"

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."   (Psalm 46:1)