Thomas M. Gandy

Thomas M. "Tommy" Gandy Florence, SC Thomas M. "Tommy" Gandy, 80 of Florence, SC, died on Monday, June 18, 2012 in a local health care facility after an illness. Mr. Gandy was born on June 1, 1932 in Hartsville, SC, a son of the late Coyt Gandy and Lila Mae Hendrick Gandy Hill and special stepdad, Lawson Hill. He was a 1952 graduate of Hartsville High School having played football for 4 years under one of his mentors, "Skimp" Harrison.He served as President of the Hartsville Jaycees and the secretary of the Moose Lodge.Mr. Gandy was a Master Mason, a Shriner, and a member of the Elks Lodge #1020 in Florence.He served 36 years in the Army National Guard.Mr. Gandy loved God, his country, and his family.After retiring from Sherwin-Williams & Devoe Paint Companies for 35 years as Marketing and Advertising Manager, he founded and operated Auto Accents Company until his death.Mr. Gandy was a member of Grace Baptist, where he taught Sunday School most of his adult life and most recently, the Men's Class with co-teacher, DeLeon Lee.He also served several years at Grace Baptist Church as the Chairman of the Grounds and the Building Committee, all of which he loved doing. He is preceded in death in addition to his parents by his loving wife of 59 years, Sara Mooneyhan Gandy; his brothers, J.W. and Grady Gandy. Surviving are two sons, Thomas Michael "Mike" (Dee Ann) Gandy and Gregory Scott (Krystal) Gandy both of Florence; a daughter, Susan (Frank) Smith of Draper, UT; grandchildren, Michael (Jada) Gandy, II, Christian Smith, Brooks & Olivia Gandy, and Kelsey Jeffords.He was dearly loved and will be truly missed by all of his family. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Grace Baptist Church.Burial will follow in the Florence National Cemetery with Military Honors directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. The family requests that memorials be made to Grace Baptist Church Building Fund,2400 West Third Loop Road, Florence, SC 29501; or to the American Cancer Society, 181 E. Evans Street, Ste C-2, BTC-045, Florence, SC 29506. He battled cancer for many years with the aid & comforts of Drs. Rao and Vaught and their staffs. The family will receive friends from 11-12 PM on Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Church. Please sign the guest book in the obituary section of www.stoudenmiredowing.com.