Obituary of Sanford J. Futch

Sanford J. Futch

Sandy was born on June 7, 1948, in Plant City, Florida, the first of four children born to Ovid and Mimi Futch.  He died May 9, 2021, in Tampa.  A 1966 graduate of King High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a radar repairman in the Vietnam era.  In 1985, he began his career as a broadcast engineer for the University of South Florida TV station, WUSF. His perseverance and skill in all things electronic kept the Riverview transmitter up and running in the most of trying times, until his 2012 retirement. By nature a quiet and unassuming man, he treasured time with his extended family, loved sports (Gators, Bucs, Rays, horse racing), the outdoors (sailing, fishing, camping, bluegrass festivals), military history, games (poker, bridge, crosswords, scrabble), good bourbon and great barbecue.  He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbie; his children Linda, John, Terri Jana (TJ), and Kenny; grandchildren Elijah and Betsy; siblings Monty, Jana, and Jim, and numerous nieces and nephews. At his request, there will be no service.