Robert L Gandy Sr.

Dea. Robert Lee Gandy Sr, youngest son to the late Early and Exie Lee Gandy was born November 28, 1944, in Georgiana, Alabama. He attended Robert L. Austin School where he excelled at football (his favorite part of attending school). During his youth, he along with Shis brothers were quite the handful and always kept their parents on their toes. At an early age, he professed his faith in Jesus Christ and joined Pine Level Missionary Baptist Church where he was a dedicated member. He served dutifully as Chairman of the Deacon Board for several decades and was always willing to serve the church in any way he could. 

In the early 60s, Robert voyaged to Pittsburgh, PA where he would meet his future bride. While the two grew up less than 20 miles apart, fate would have Aunt Arie Lee bring their paths together 900 miles away from home. He was united in holy matrimony to Virtira Kyser on June 18, 1966. To this union, three children were born. 

After moving back to Alabama in 1971, Robert worked several construction jobs before starting his career with Union Camp/International Paper. He started out in the plywood plant before moving over to the boiler room. He became one of the best Boiler Operators to ever work in Chapman.  After 37 years of faithful service, he retired from International Paper but not from working. Retirement gave him the opportunity to focus on some of his other passions. His cows were his babies. He was known to plan trips and vacations around how long he would be away from his cows. Growing a pretty garden was something he loved as well. Usually growing much more than he could eat, he shared fresh vegetables with friends, family and the community.Even during the pandemic, he was known to send care packages through the mail that included fresh vegetables. And then there was his love for fishing. He called himself the “Bass Master” because if he ever took you fishing, he swore he could catchmore bass than you. 

Affectionately known as “Uncle Robert”, his infectious spirit caused him to be seen as everyone’s uncle. He was always there with a good story, helping hand, practical joke, or laugh. Uncle Robert was the life of the party no matter the setting and heloved his Alabama football. If you ever watched an Alabama game with him (especially the Iron Bowl), you probably heard his favorite cheer: “What do we want, TD, what’s that Touchdown”! Most importantly, he had a deep love for his family and those around him. His influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew him. He departed this life Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at his home. He was proceeded in death by his siblings Wilson Gandy Sr., Annie Bell Mixon, Earvie Gandy Sr., Elbert Gandy, Clifford Gandy Sr., Lola Mae Herbert, Clinton Gandy, Josephine Fluker, Richard Gandy and Essie Lee Gandy.

His life and memory will forever be cherished by his loving wife Virtira Gandy of Georgiana, AL; his children Robert (Calandra) Gandy, Jr of Jacksonville, FL, Tiffany (Robert) Shufford of McKenzie, AL, Andrea “Sha” Gandy of Oviedo, FL; his godson Mark (Charie) Fluker of Knoxville, TN; his grandchildren Kayla, Chris and Kami Shufford all of McKenzie, AL, Jonathan Gandy of Oviedo, FL; his brother Roshell (Betty) Gandy of Niagara Falls, NY; his sisters Deola Herbert of Pittsburgh, PA, Brenda Owens of Georgiana, AL; his brothers in law Oscar (Melnie) Kyser, Claude Stallworth, Wendell Byrd; his sisters in law Armelia (Stanley) Oliver, Daisy Kyser Muller-Kobold; a special aunt, Arie Lee Kyser; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert L Gandy Sr., please visit our floral store.