Ralph Sands

Mr. Ralph Sands, age 88, of Macclenny, Florida passed away on Friday, August 21, 2020, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Jacksonville after an extended illness. Mr. Sands was born in Moniac, Georgia to George W. and Nellie (Thrift) Sands and had lived in Baker County for most of his life. He was Valedictorian of his graduating class at St. George High School. Mr. Sands proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a Crew Chief on a B-36 Bomber, Strategic Air Command, 8th Air Force. Ralph was a Civic Leader and Past President of the Lions Club. He was also a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who was known for his infectious good humor, and searing smile. Ralph was generous, helpful, and had friends everywhere he went. As a longtime Baker County resident, he had a tremendous amount of knowledge about the county’s history and a nearly endless supply of stories. As an outdoorsman, business owner, and volunteer, he left a legacy of love and service to our community and will be missed deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clyde Sands, Holland Sands, and Maxie Sands; and sister, Inez Sands Taylor. Survivors include his beloved wife of 35 years, Margaret Sands; sons, John Taylor Sands (Patricia) of Macclenny and Gary Lamar Sanders (Sandy) of Ocala; daughter, Kelly Taylor Sands-Marini (Anthony) of Oviedo; brothers, George W. “Dub” Sands and Cecil Sands, both of Macclenny; sister, Annie Rogers (Ronald) of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Jena Heflin (Blake), Jesslynn S. Sands-Thomas (Eli), Jackson Sands, Taylor Marini, Kellen Marini, Karlie Marini, Kyle Sanders (Hannah), and Brad Sanders (Katelynn); great-grandchild, Jett Heflin; along with numerous other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at Christian Fellowship Temple with Pastor Gary Crummey officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to services at the church.
If you are able to attend, please practice proper social distancing, and we ask that you wear a mask as a courtesy to others.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL AND CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063. (904) 259-2806. Please sign the guestbook at www.blackburncurryfh.com.

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