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By: Mackenzie Patak **__ James “Terry” Sanford __**

James Terry Sanford was born to Cecil and Elizabeth Sanford in Laurinburg, North Carolina on August 20th, 1917. At an early age, Sanford showed signs of leadership. Sanford was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Sanford decided to take a deep step in faith, and decided to attend Presbyterian Junior College. Later, he went to get a law degree at UNC Chapel Hill where he graduated from in 1939. Terry Sanford became a special-agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). During his time with the FBI, he married his wife; former classmate Margaret Rose Knight on July 4th, 1942. They had two children; Terry Sanford Jr., and Elizabeth, after his mother. Only months later, Terry went off to fight in World War II as a parachute infantry in the United States Army. He served from 1942-1945 in Italy, Germany, and France. His hardships earned himself the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and he was the first Lieutenant in the United States Army. He was then discharged and went on to build his own private law practice in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Terry Sanford became North Carolina Governor on January 5th, 1961. He was the youngest governor since Charles B. Aycock. Sanford was also the first governor born in the 20th century. He went into office the same day president John F. Kennedy went into office. Sanford was a democrat that was noted during his term for progressive leadership in Civil Rights and Education. Sanford urged legislature to support $100,000,000 in improvements for public schools. He also established higher education initiatives, and possessed a strong commitment to excellence. In 1983, Sanford was listed in Harvard University’s study as one of the nations “Top 10 Governors of The Century”. He left office on January 8th, 1965, and went back to his law practice in Fayetteville. When Sanford’s term as governor ended, his political career didn’t. Sanford made two unsuccessful attempts at presidency in 1972 and in 1976. Sanford went into Senate from 1986-1993. Terry was also president at Duke University from 1969-1985. In December of 1997, Terry Sanford announced he was diagnosed with inoperable esophageal cancer. Terry Sanford died on April 18th, 1998 in his Durham home surrounded by family. He died peacefully in his sleep. He was 80 years old. Sanford was buried in Duke Chapel and his legacy lives on today.

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