Richard Gandy was born July 31, 1930 in Pasadena, California, a son of Curtis J. Gandy and Gladys Mushrush Gandy. We grew up in Pasadena where he graduated from high school. He attended college for two years in Merced, California. On June 28, 1949 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and retired on September 1, 1969, with the rank of Master Sergeant (E7). He was active in the American Legion and was Past Vice Commander of the post.
On April 21, 1967 he married Mary Virginia Hammonds in Carson City, Nevada. Following his retirement from the Air Force he worked at a credit bureau and also at the County Welfare Department, both in Merced.
In 1990 he and his wife retired to Coleman, Texas, her hometown. She died on November 21, 2010. After his wife’s death, he continued to live in Coleman but due to his declining health, he moved to assisted living in Brownwood. He was a member of Community Baptist Church.
Survivors include two daughters, Jacky Major of Merced, California and Sylvia Giordano of Atwater, California; five grandchildren, Carol Ann Ramos and Tony of Merced; Jacob Major and Lucy of Merced; Joseph Major and Alma of Olympia, Washington, Darla Dodson of Atwater, California and Patricia Sibley of Montana; 11 step-great grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth J. Gandy and Joyce of Covina, California; brothers-in-laws, Danny and Teresa Hammonds, James and Judy Hammonds, Jackie and Carolyn Hammonds all of Coleman, David and Rose Hammonds of Colorado; sisters-in-law, Judy Rylee of San Angelo and Dale Elkins of Oklahoma; numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 26, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, Coleman, Texas 76834.
Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or the donor’s favorite charity.
Please sign his online guestbook at www.livingmemorials.com.
