Cecil Morris Gandy 1925-2015

Submitted by News Staff on
Cecil Morris Gandy, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2015, with his family at his side. Cecil was born in Athens on Aug. 29, 1925. After graduating from high school he served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1951 with a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture. Cecil then moved to Beaumont and took a job with the Lamar University Extension Program; he taught returning WWII veterans about farmer’s methods for improving their rice crops. After that, he joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Conservation Specialist where he worked with farmers and ranchers to develop better methods of land use in several locations across Texas, but for the majority of his career he worked in Lockhart for 20 years and in Marshall for seven years. Each time he moved into a new community he embraced the local culture and enjoyed each experience. C ecil moved to Elgin in 2005 and enjoyed the friendship and activities with the Elgin Garden Club and AARP group and attended Elgin Baptist Church. Cecil was a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas as a Master Mason. Cecil was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Veleria Lorraine Hickman Gandy; his parents, Samuel Morgan Gandy and Carrie Mae McCoy Gandy; three brothers, Grady, Aubrey and Glenn; and sister, Hazel. He is survived by his son, Morris Gandy; wife, Donna of Austin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Cecil’s life will be honored at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the Zion Hill Church in Walton. Danny Gandy, nephew, will be offi ciating the memorial service and the Grand Lodge of Texas will deliver the traditional Masonic ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charitable organization of your choice. The family would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful staff with Halcyon Home, Debbie, Kelsey, Pat, Christian, Ryan and Mary. We deeply appreciate the care and compassion they gave to our father. We also want to thank the staff and residents at The Clairmont Retirement Community for their kindness and friendship. Condolences may be made at ww w.cookwaldenforestoaks.com. Arrangements under the care of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Dr., Austin, 78749.