Francis M Sanda

Francis Michael Sanda, 83, of Auburn passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at his home.

Born in Albany, Ga. on November 6, 1941, Francis attended Gadsden High School in Gadsden, Ala. where, as a basketball manager, he had to learn to keep the official scoring book. He graduated from McGill High School in Mobile in 1959 and enrolled in Auburn University. While at Auburn, he served as a student manager for football and baseball and earned his degree in business in 1963. Following graduation, he was hired as the first male ticket manager for Auburn athletics, a position he held for five years. It was during that time that he married the love of his life, Paula, in June 1968.

In 1970, Francis was named manager of the Surgical Clinic in Opelika, a job he held for 43 years, retiring in 2013. It was also in 1970 that he was asked to be the official scorer for Auburn men’s basketball, only the third man to hold that position since 1951. Donned in his black and white striped shirt (the only official that doesn’t blow a whistle), it is estimated Francis kept the book for close to 1,000 Auburn games in his 54 years at the table. In that time, he witnessed every Auburn SEC championship. He also kept the official book for the SEC Tournament for many years and in 1996, Francis, and the rest of Auburn’s stat crew, was selected to work women’s basketball at the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta, where the United States team won the gold medal. He said it was one of the best experiences of his life.

In addition to men’s basketball, Francis also kept the official book for Auburn football from 1970 until five years ago when technology replaced his No. 2 pencil. In 2020, he was the recipient of the David Housel Spirit of Auburn Award, given to Auburn men and women who are an inspiration to others, giving unselfishly of their time and talents. Since 1959, there has never been any doubt that Francis Sanda loved Auburn. He proudly displayed the Auburn Creed in multiple rooms in his home, along with other AU memorabilia.

But as much as Francis loved Auburn and Auburn athletics, he treasured being a Dad to his three children even more, and he especially cherished being “Poppy” to his four grandchildren.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Sanda; brother, John Paul Sanda; and sister, Eleanor Sanda.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Paula Paterson Sanda; son and daughter-in-law Mike and Elaine Sanda of Columbus, Ga.; daughter and son-in-law Michelle (Sanda) and Scott Keesee of Auburn, Ala.; and son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Allison Sanda of Birmingham, Ala. Four grandchildren: Casey (Sam) Eshman; Mallory Keesee (John David) Hammond; Stuart Keesee; and Lucy Sanda; sister Barbara Sanda; brother, David (Sue) Sanda and their children, nephew Charles (Mallory) Sanda; and niece Amy (John) Payne.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. CST, at

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home (1500 Frederick Road in Opelika). There will not be a service.

For those who would like to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests a charity of your choice.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is handling arrangements.