Hansford
WARE COUNTY — Joseph Terry Hansford, age 81, died Thursday, April 23, 2026, at his residence following an extended illness.
He was born in Casey County, Ky., and had made his home in Ware County since 1972. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice (Jan) Ivey Hansford; his parents Russell Hansford and Margie Wilcher Hansford; brothers, Charles Hansford and Donald Hansford; and a sister, Linda Du Kor. He was a member of Gospel Lighthouse Church.
Hansford served with the United States Marine Corps from 1961 to 1968 during the Vietnam War and had attained the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with Star, along with Campaign Ribbons from Cuba 196162, Dominican Republic 1962 -63, and Vietnam 1964 and 1966-68. He was a member of the Detachment No. 1333 of the Marine Corps League.
Hansford was owner and operator of Hansford Realty & Auction for many years. He served as a tobacco auctioneer from 1973 to 2002 and staff appraiser for Ware County in 1976. He also served as Active Real Estate Sales Appraiser, and Auctioneer from 1975 to present, Licensed Real Estate Broker from 1980 to present, and Active Personal Property Appraiser from 1980 to present. Hansford also served as Treasurer of the Southeast Georgia Board of Realtors in 2002 and as Chairman of the Georgia Auctioneers Commission in 1994.
Hansford earned a Bachelors Degree that included courses from The University of Florida, Waycross-Ware Tech, University of Georgia and its Off Campus Centers, and through The State of Georgia.
Survivors include a daughter, Terralyn H. Brown (husband Jimmy) of Waycross; three granddaughters, Anslei Card (husband Lance) of Blackshear, Abbie Howell (husband Matt) and Anna Brown, all of Waycross; five great grandchildren, Langston, Millie, Mattie; Lainee, and Haylee; his special friend, Mary Odam of Waycross; a sister, Connie, and a brother, Ray; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
A Celebration of Life was held April 27 at Gospel Lighthouse Church. Burial with Military Honors from the U.S. Marine Corps followed in Oakland Cemetery. Members of the Marine Corps League served as honorary pallbearers.
Sympathy can be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.c om.
Music Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
