Sanford Mauldin Jr.

Sanford Lee Mauldin, Jr. departed this world March 29, 2023, following his 69th birthday.

Sanford was born to Betty and Sanford Mauldin, Sr. March 12, 1954, in Oklahoma City. After graduating from Purcell High School in 1972, Sanford acquired a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Oklahoma Baptist University where he met fellow art student, Patricia Cook, who became his first wife in 1978. Together they established a commercial photography business in Norman, Oklahoma, and welcomed their children Sophia Marie in 1987 and Ramsey Sanford in 1991.

Sanford’s extraordinary talent, creativity and word-of-mouth reputation enabled him to build a successful photography practice for a multitude of diverse clients. Several of his works received national and state recognition and awards. His passion for and the joy gained from his art inspired him to claim that he never worked a day in his life.

Throughout his life, Sanford’s children were his pride and joy. He loved introducing his kids to nature and adventure, and frequented state parks with the family, as well as a memorable cross-country RV trip to Montana, with plenty of sightseeing and learning experiences along the way. As the kids got older, Sanford could hardly contain his pride when he saw their accomplishments in academia, sports, musical performances and the growth of their loving relationships with their significant others, Jesse and Katie.

In 2006, Sanford and Barbara Greenwald’s paths crossed in Norman’s Riverchase neighborhood. Their neighbors insisted the two should meet, which led to dates and their subsequent marriage on May 10, 2008. With Barbara’s encouragement, Sanford continued spending time with his children, whether it be hiking, skiing, flying kites or friend and family get-togethers. One of Sanford’s greatest pleasures was to witness the two families melding, with family events including Mom, Patti and “Bonus Mom,” Barb. Sanford and Barbara added more happiness to the mix August 2, 2021, when they became legal guardians of 16-year-old Juliet Hanks. Juliet and Sanford bonded over a shared love and talent for art. She nicknamed him her “Papanator” and claimed that Sanford was the best father figure she ever had.

Influenced by his grandmother’s love of flowers and plants, Sanford had a passion for landscaping and gardening that was further nurtured by Barbara’s own. This became evident in 2022 when he joined Barb in a labor of love that he named Yes Honey Flower Farm. This shared effort resulted in a thriving business and a bumper crop of beautiful flowers. Outside the home, some of Sanford and Barbara’s most cherished experiences together were volunteering as grandparents at Royal Family Kids Camp.

Sanford is survived by his wife Barbara Greenwald-Mauldin of Noble, Oklahoma and their ward, Juliet Hanks; 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); and sister Brenda Mauldin (IL).

Memorial contributions can be made to the following organizations:

Royal Family Kids Camp c/o CrossPointe Church, P.O. Box 6178, Norman, OK 73070 and/or The Nature Conservancy, https://preserve.nature.org, 800-628-6860