Leroy Gandy

Mr. Leroy Gandy

Ringling - Funeral Services for Mr. Leroy Gandy, 80, of Ringling is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 19, 2008, at the Ringling Memorial Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Mike Williams officiating. Services are under the direction of Alexander Funeral Home of Ringling.

Leroy was born on September 13, 1928 to the late Mr. Claude and Mrs. Lottie (Hutchins) Gandy in Temple, OK. He passed away Sunday, November 16, 2008 at his residence in Ringling.

He met and married the love of his life, Oleta Johnson, on July 1, 1947 in Wichita Falls, TX. Of this happy union came 5 children. Leroy and Oleta were blissfully married until she departed this life March 26, 1976. Leroy later married Pauline Goldsmith on December of 1978.

Leroy spent his early years helping on the farm with his father, Claude. Then driving dozers and building ponds around Ringling. After he married Oleta, they headed to California for a year, where he laid tile and built swimming pools. His oldest son, Rick, was born there, and then they headed back to Ringling. Upon arrival, Tuffy Parker took Leroy out to the oil patch. Once he got a taste of that, he was hooked for life. Even as he was approaching his 70’s, he was still climbing derricks. He could work from the crown to the ground and all parts in between on rigs. He was a man of average stature, but he had the heart of a lion. He was a quiet man, who led by example. All the old timers still talk about how hard of a worker he was. He had a passion for family, country music, and of course Blue Devil Football. He devoted his whole life to providing for his family. The family would like to thank, special friends, Vanita Thompson and Mike Smith for all they did for Leroy.

Preceding him in death is his parents, Claude and Lottie Gandy, his loving wife Oleta, and his beloved and oldest son Rick Gandy.

Survivors include his spouse, Pauline of Healdton, Daughter, Lana Longest of Ringling, Daughter in law, Phyllis Gandy of Ringling. 3 Sons, Mike Gandy and wife Pam, Terry Don Gandy and wife Becky, and Jerry Gandy and wife Lauren, all of Ringling. Step Daughter, Retha Snider and husband Keith of Wichita Falls, TX. Grandchildren, Richie Gandy, Tracy Gandy, Ashley Tupin, Kylie Gandy, Kent Longest, Kevin Longest, Jared Gandy, Shelby Gandy, Ruslyn Gandy, and Ravyn Gandy. He was also blessed with 6 great grandchildren. Sisters, Claudia Wendt of Lone Grove and Wanda Porterfield of Ardmore. Brothers, Rob Gandy and wife Kathy of Ada, Ronnie Gandy and wife Barbara of Seminole, TX. Special Sister-in-law, Carolyn Cooper of Burneyville. Numerous other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Kent Longest, Kent Southward, Steve Longest, Grey Shivers, Jared Gandy, and Don Allen.

Honorary bearers will be John Neble, Jim Snodgrass, Mike Smith, Tuffy Parker, Glen Wendt, Leonard Evans, Roland Butler, Terry Snell and Grandsons.

Donations may be made in memory of Leroy to: Rick Gandy Memorial Scholarship Fund in c/o the 1nb, P.O. Box 606, Ringling, OK 73456

Family visitation will be 6-8pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home in Ringling.

Condolences may be sent online at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org