Phyllis Kay (Longest) Gandy

Services for Phyllis Kay (Longest) Gandy will be held at Ringling Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 4th at 2:00 pm. Pastor Les Bussell will officiate the celebration of her cherished life and calling to her eternal home. Services are under the care and direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Ringling.

Phyllis was born on March 18, 1950, in Ardmore to Ruffin Thompson “RT” and Lorene A. (Savage) Longest. She had a heavenly reunion with the love of her life on November 29, 2024, at her home in Zaneis.

She grew up in Courtney where she learned to love the countryside, spending the majority of her life on a ranch. At 9 years old she welcomed her only sibling, her brother Steve whom she adored her entire life. At age 5, she began playing the piano. Only 6 months later, she started using her musical talent to serve the Lord by playing at church. She attended Ringling Schools, was active in the musical group “The Blue Notes”, and was a trombone player and a twirler in the RHS band. She graduated from Ringling High School in 1968, where she was introduced to her other half, Richard Neal Gandy. The sweethearts were married at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on August 31, 1968. Phyllis and Rick continued their education, beginning at Cameron University and she later earned her bachelor's in education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She returned to her alma mater, Ringling Schools, where she taught in the third-grade classroom. Over the years, she taught various grades and used her lifelong passion to enrich her teaching as she incorporated music into her time at Ringling. Even after retiring in 2017, she was fondly remembered by students for the tunes she sang with them, teaching generations of Blue Devils the words to The Ringling Fight Song. She was a proud coach's wife, and her devotion to her family translated into her dedication to the Blue Devils and the town of Ringling. She again applied her musical talents toward her faith as she began playing piano at the Ringling Methodist Church in 2008. She continued her discipleship through the Ringling Methodists women's group, fundraisers, and bringing her famous mac-and-cheese to every church dinner. Jesus was evident through her smile, faith, and commitment to anything she felt called to do. The hope she gained from Christ ensured she never heard a sour note in life, only the ones that made up the beautiful songs she played. She taught her family what unconditional love looked like, without saying a word.

She is preceded in death by husband Richard Neal Gandy in 2008, father, Ruffin “RT” and mother, Lorene Longest.

Survivors include two sons- Richie Gandy and wife Kristy, Tracy Gandy and wife Jana, all of Ringling: 3 granddaughters-Sierra, Kaylee of Gunter Texas, and Rikki Kay Gandy of Ringling, 1 grandson Colt Gandy of Ringling, and 1 Great-grandson Ryker Grant of Gunter Texas. Brother Steve Longest and wife Alyce of Duncan. Special Aunt Beth Hagler and Lem of Rogers Arkansas.

 Pallbearers will be Steve Longest, Colt Gandy, Mike Gandy, Terry Don Gandy, Jerry Gandy, Grey Shivers, Jimmy Snodgrass and Joe Taylor.

 Honorary pallbearers are Mike Moore, Peck Pemberton, Don Pouge, Bill Renfro, and all of her past coworkers at Ringling Schools.

Family night will be held at Alexander Funeral Home in Ringling on Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

 In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rick Gandy Memorial Scholarship or the Ringling School Supply Fund. Checks made to “CCC” and memo titled “School Supplies.” Mail all donations to Jana Gandy at PO Box 1260 Ringling 73456