Sandra Garth Radford passed surrounded by family and friends on March 21st. Born in Camilla, GA, she lived most of her adult life with her husband of 38 years in the Southeastern United States, the last 30 in Johnson City, TN. After serving in the United States Navy where she completed BEE, Sandy served the country as a torpedoman, and was honorably discharged. She then graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Preceded by both maternal and paternal grandparents. Also, by mother Louise Harvey Monger Garth, originally of Sweetwater, TN, and Dr. Richard Edwin Garth, revered and respected at many institutions of higher learning but most notably at UTC. Also, by Kitty Fedosky her older sister, and niece, Valerie.
She is survived by: Cantankerous husband, JM Radford M.D., and 3 Awesome Children named: Jennifer Leigh Radford, Graduate of Converse College, Husband Travis Murray and Bonus Kid Kenzi, of Elizabethton. Also, Patricia Fletcher Radford, Graduate of LSU, of the home. Also, John Jeffrey Raymond Radford, Graduate of UTC, with his Husband Dean Bowen currently of Ooltewah, TN. Also, Brother-In Law Wayne Marshall Fedosky, Blair Grace Fedosky and husband Adam Higgins, Becky Petrie and husband Adam, and children Russell with wife Sarah, Cora, Zoe, Monty. Also, Alli Green and husband Walter and children Bethany, Remington with wife Danielle, and Grace. Siblings include Cindy Cobb and husband, Norm Cobb with children Ricky and David. Also, Jean Garth Brooks, with children Matthew and Benjamin. Also, Carol Anne Garth and daughter Laura Howard with husband Trey. James Richard Garth and wife Rhonda with children, Winston and wife Emily, and Maggie. Sandy leaves behind, numerous special friends: Alice Jenkins, Sharon Greatti, Faye Howard, Stephen and Deborah Todd, Ralph and Fay Jones, Don A., and thousands of others from the 12-step Program.
Sandy was a 30-year member of the congregation of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where she also served on the vestry as Jr. Warden in an elected position. She served the community as a substitute teacher in Johnson City Schools, and served on the Board of the local Babe Ruth Baseball League where she kept scoresheets, and managed scheduling of umpires for all games.
The Celebration of Life will be in the Great Hall at St. John’s Episcopal Church 500 N. Roan Street Johnson City, TN 37601 on April 5, 2025 from 11a-1pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund of St. John’s Episcopal Church, whose community outreach program Sandy dearly supported.
In parting, Momma told us, her family, “Sandy’s done cooking!"
Condolences may be sent to the family of Mrs. Radford online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
03/27/2025
Gerald Meredith
I had the privilege to work with Dr Michael Radford for more than 20 years at the VA Medical Center in Johnson City Tennessee. On several occasions I got to meet Sandy, who would drop by to visit Dr Radford. The love they shared for each other was evident, as was the fact that Sandy was Mike's compass in life. Mike was always quieter in her presence and well behaved. Whenever I was with Dr. Radford for any extended period, Sandy or the children would always come up and his stories of them were filled with joy and pride.
I am honored to have known the Radford family, if only vicariously, but I do know it was never dull at the Radford home. We will all miss Sandy but are comforted that she left our community and world a better place.
03/26/2025
Barbara S Sapp
Mike and family, I won't be able to be there for the memorial service. But my thoughts will be with all of you. She may be done cooking here on Earth; but I'll bet she's up there in heaven cooking up a storm! She will be missed by many. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sandy enhanced my life. I only met her twice in person but her long distance telephone love and wry humor and counsel enriched me. God holds and enfolds her.
She was a great lady and helped me on my journey as well as so many others. Loved her very much
Sandy was one of the first people who ever held baby Maria and she was always reassuring about life. So fun to be around.
03/21/2025
Kimberly Lewis
Dearest Mike and all of Sandy's family and friends,
I will be unable to attend Sandy's Celebration of Life service; so I wanted to offer my most sincere sympathies to all of you who are affected by Sandy's passing.
I pray each of you will be comforted by the God of all comfort, and that He will grant you peace and strength as you grieve.
Sandy was an unforgettable part of my recovery and will be missed by so so many!!
May you each travel in grace... in Jesus' Name, Amen.
Love from Kim Lewis
