Sanford Lee Mauldin, Jr., departed this world on March 29, 2023, just 17 days after his 69th birthday.

Sanford was the first born to Betty and Sanford Mauldin, Sr., on March 12, 1954, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. As a child, Sanford was reserved, curious, and focused. He quickly took on the responsibilities of ranch life in Wanette and later applied his athleticism to football, basketball, and baseball at Purcell High School.

After graduating in 1972, he went on to acquire his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art from Oklahoma Baptist University, where he met his first wife, Patricia Cook. They later moved to Norman, Oklahoma, and married in 1978. Several years after establishing the photography business, they welcomed Sophia Marie in 1987 and nearly four years later, Ramsey Sanford in 1991, both of whom were his pride and joy.

For decades, Sanford inspired businesses across the region with his creative eye and unbridled talent in the photography world, making marketing photos pop off the page for his diverse clients. From ball caps and floral design to pharmaceuticals and aircraft, Sanford’s work was awe-inspiring. The products of his passion, which inspired him to claim that he “never worked a day in his life,” were formally recognized through multiple photography awards and recognitions.

Sanford also produced more personal projects, such as publishing the floral design book Earth Man Spirit and two cookbooks for the Chickasaw Nation. He also taught annual floral photography workshops in Cannon Beach, Oregon. His studios were filled with lively music and brilliant ingenuity and his personal life was no different.

Sanford was particularly handy, as evidenced in every nook and cranny of his home and yard, leaving no doubt that you were observing the work of an artist. Sanford may have retired from his photography career, but he could still be found at the oddest hour working in his studio.

In 2006, Sanford met a force that shifted his world, Barbara Greenwald. They married in 2008 and created a fulfilling life together. In the summer of 2021, Sanford and Barbara were awarded guardianship of a talented “young grasshopper,” Juliet Hanks.

Sanford was a multifaceted and loving “soul man” survived by his wife, Barbara Greenwald-Mauldin of Noble, Okla.; daughter, Sophia and son-in-law Jesse Karr (MI); son, Ramsey and soon to-be daughter-in-law, Katie Keil (WA); brother, Greg Mauldin (TX); sister Brenda Mauldin (IL); bonus granddaughter Juliet Hanks (OK); and countless extended family members, treasured friends, and former clients.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to either Royal Family Kids Camp (Crosspointe Church PO Box 6178 Norman, OK 73070) or the Nature Conservancy (https://preserve.nature.org/page/81369/donate/1?locale=en-US).

A celebration of Sanford’s life will be held Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 at Crosspointe Church in Norman at 12 p.m.