Dr. Thomas W. Gandy

Thomas Whitney Gandy

Thomas Whitney Gandy, 86, of Valdosta, Georgia, died at his home March 20, 2006, following an extending illness. He was born in Foley, Alabama, and was the son of John William and Amye Daniel Gandy.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Theodora (Theda) Nettles Gandy, one daughter, Suzanne, a granddaughter, Anna Whitney Akers, and a grandson, Steven Christian Akers, of Roanoke, Virginia, one brother, Josef Lewis Gandy, and wife, Jean, of Birmingham, Alabama, a number of nieces and nephews, and inlaws, Ann and Frank Downer, Georgia Nettles, Elizabeth Lauderdale, and Sara Gandy.

Tom was educated in Alabama, receiving his bachelor’s degree from Berry College, a master’s degree from Auburn University, and a Doctorate from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbanna, Illinois. His senior year of college was interrupted by World War II, where he served in the US Navy, from Athletic Training Officer, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the Pacific Arena, as gunnery officer, surviving the sinking of the heavy cruiser, The Chicago. He served as a communications officer in New Calendonia, returned to Norfolk, to the Port Director’s office as Lt. Senior grade until the end of the war.

Tom Gandy then returned to his educational goal of teaching at Beauregard High School in Alabama, then to Auburn University, The Woman’s College of Georgia, as an administrator, and then to his alma mater, Berry College, as the college’s first Vice President. In 1971, he came to Valdosta State University, as Director of Public Services and interim Dean of the School of Education, and retired in 1986.

Tom was a lover of music. He sang tenor in musical groups and concert and church choirs, beginning the age of 15, and continuing over 70 years. He was a nature lover, a bird watcher, gardener, an avid reader, and loved to travel. Tom and Theda traveled and explored the wonders of the world, in each of our 50 states, and throughout Europe, and other countries, and lived their philosophy of “Living Each Day to its Fullest.”

As a member of First United Methodist Church of Valdosta, Tom’s service extended in many capacities. A Bible scholar, he taught Sunday School and a Tuesday Bible Study for over 20 years. With a special interest in Missions, he led and worked on teams of Volunteers In Mission here and overseas. With South Georgia Volunteers in Mission, he received the coveted, “Golden Hammer Award.”

Community service was a significant element of his life. He served on The American Heart Association, on the local, state, and conference levels, and worked with Habitat for Humanity from its inception in Valdosta. He was a Board member of Magnolia Manor. He was a past president of Valdosta Rotary Club, and was voted Man of the Year.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2006 at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Thomas Mason, Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Alabama at a later date. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Contributions can be made to: Habitat for Humanity, Vashti Center for Children, Thomasville, Georgia, or your favorite charity. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the Obituary page at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602