Mr. Sandifer was born on March 2, 1936, in the Clear Branch Community in Florence, MS, Rankin County, to Harold B. Sandifer and Maggie Mae Byrd Sandifer and had one sibling, his brother, Dennis W. Sandifer. John graduated from Florence High School in 1954, then attended Hinds Junior College where he played football and played in the Junior Rose Bowl in Escondido, CA, where they won the game. He was so proud of this. After college, he joined the United States Marine Corps in November 1955, where he attended basic training at Paris Island, South Carolina. He then served six months on a Mediterranean Cruise Ship, then was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina until November 1959. Mr. Sandifer also played baseball for the United States Marine Corps while he served at Camp LeJeune.
Following his military service, Mr. Sandifer was employed by Miller Transporters as a truck driver and mechanic as well as a welder. In 1976, Mr. Sandifer started his own Construction Company, Sandifer Construction Company, Inc. He also played baseball for the City of Jackson's semi-pro baseball organization. Mr. Sandifer was a coach for his daughter's softball team and served as a referee for football and basketball. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing dominoes, and watching his great-grandchildren play sports.
Mr. Sandifer is survived by the love of his life of 68 years, Kenny Lee Sandifer; and his loving children, Janet Sandifer Lawson (Jeff), Lorrie Sandifer Taylor, Stevie Sandifer (Sheila), and Scottie Sandifer (Pam). Mr. Sandifer was the proud grandfather, "Papaw John" of seven grandchildren, whom he absolutely adored, Regina, Brandi, Brittany, Corey, Brooke, Paige, and Morgan. He also was "Papaw John" to twelve great-grandchildren, Shelby, Clay, Brady, Audrey, Brennan, Brody, Emmalyn, Brees, Ben, Elizabeth, Luca, and Landon. John had two nieces, Lisa Sandifer Ray, and Ginger Sandifer Robinson. He adored his family and spending time with them.
John was a faithful member of Briar Hill Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher for several years. He loved the Lord and lived his life as a true Christian. John never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell.
Visitation will be held from 12:00pm until 2:00pm on Friday, April 26, 2024 at Briar Hill Baptist Church in Florence. The service will follow at 2:00pm that same day in the church. Burial will take place afterwards in the church cemetery.
If so led, donations may be made in his honor to Briar Hill Baptist Church, Florence, MS.
