Reverend Samuel Ellis Sandidge was called to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Virginia Baptist Hospital. He was the husband of Earlean Sandidge since September 17, 1996.
Reverend Sandidge was born in Lynchburg on May 28, 1924 to the late Linwood Woody Sandidge and Lucy Virginia Johnson Sandidge. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Sandidge Gibson; a brother, James Matthew Sandidge, Sr. and two infant brothers.
At an early age, Rev. Sandidge was baptized at Court Street Baptist Church where he, later, served as a Sunday School Teacher and as a member of the Men's Gospel Chorus and Brotherhood Club. He was a faithful member of Court Street until 1976. He joined Eighth Street Baptist Church in May of 1994. On August 1, 2010, an ordination service was held for Rev. Sandidge at Eighth Street Baptist Church by Rev. Keith R. Anderson.
Rev. Sandidge was educated in the public schools of Lynchburg and graduated from Dunbar High School in June, 1943. After graduation, he went to Washington, DC and worked in what was then called to the War Department. Later, in Lynchburg he worked for 22 years at the United States Postal Service where he retired in 1989.
"Sammy" as he was called by close friends and relatives was the proud father to Kathleen Watkins and Betty Douglas; and he was the proud grandfather of Charles, Christopher and Whitney Douglas; and the happy great-grandfather to Syniea Douglas and the son-in-law of Ms. Betty Lou Harris.
"Sammy" is also survived by a loving brother, Carrington B. Sandidge, Sr. and a devoted sister, Annie Mae Sandidge Lewis. He was a wonderful uncle to nephews; Carrington Sandidge, Jr. (Charlotte), Kelly Sandidge (Erin), Keith Sandidge, Sr. (Diane) and Steven Lewis; and two nieces; Adrienne Sandidge Crews (George), Sue Gibson Winston (Mandell), Carolyn Lewis Jones (Ket), Denise Sandidge and Rhonda Lewis; devoted friend, Edith Harris.
Rev. Sandidge enjoyed painting, playing the organ and writing hymns. He constantly read and studied the Bible. His favorite scripture was Psalm 91. His greatest joy was serving the Lord. Even when he was ill, he always prayed for others.
He will be greatly missed, but we know that he is now with his Lord and Savior.
A celebration of Rev. Sandidge 's life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, September 14, 2013 at Eighth Street Baptist Church with Rev. Steven Smith, officiating . The interment will be in the Forest Hill Burial Park. The family will receive friends Friday from 7-8 PM at Davis-Turner Funeral Service. Condolences may be sent to www.Davis-Turner .com. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.