Rutherford County Property Assessor Rob Mitchell has proposed that the Rutherford County Clerk office building on North Maple Street be named after former property assessor Tommy Sanford. Mitchell also proposed a proclamation for Sanford.

Mitchell stated:

"I believe it is only fitting that when a man has dedicated his life to his community for that community recognize those contributions and memorialize them for posterity. To this end I request and propose a proclamation recognizing the service of former Property Assessor Tommy Sanford. I further respectfully submit for consideration the renaming of the County Office Building at 319 N Maple St. and for it be designated as the "Sanford Building" to memorialize Mr. Sanford's dedication to his community and to his great leadership and perseverance which lead to the construction of the building itself."

General Sanford (Proclamation Information):

General Thomas (Tommy) Sanford was born on Independent Hill Rd, Almaville on December 4th, 1939 and lived in Almaville until his death August 24th, 2015 at age 75.

He attended Almaville School (1-8) until he went to Murfreesboro Central High (9 - 12) where he graduated in 1958.

He worked at Home Furniture from 1956 - 1964.

He was in the National Guard from 1961-1963 and then he served in Reserves and attained the rank of Sergeant.

He owned and operated Sanford Market in Almaville from 1964-1973.

(Purchased - 9/25/1964. Sold - 11/5/73)

He worked for the State of Tennessee Dept. of Revenue from 1968 - 1982.

He was Constable to the 4th District beginning in 1968 through 1972 (4 years)

Squire Sanford was elected to the Quarterly Court( later the County Commission) in August of 1972. He first appeared on the floor in September of '72 and served on the Rutherford County Commission - August 31, 1982 (10 years)

He was sworn in as Assessor on Sept.1, 1982,( his only contested race),and served through September of 2004 (22 years)

He was recognized as the Assessor of Property of the Year twice

He was selected as the County Official of the Year - 1989-90

He founded the Almaville Fire Dept. in 1983 and he served as treasurer until 2012.

He was a member of Almaville Community Club from mid 1960's until his death.

Charter member of Murfreesboro Downtown Lions Club - 1982-2000

Lion of the Year, Lion of Decade and Melvin Jones Fellowship (1990)

Member of the Mt Moriah Masonic Lodge, 32nd Degree Mason and member Al Menah Shrine Club

Member of Locks Memorial Methodist Church, Almaville

(Total of 36 years of elected County service)

(14 years with the State of Tennessee)