Sandy Alonzo Sailers

Sandy Alonzo Sailers, 98 years 9 months old, passed away on June 15, 2023. He was a resident of Jackson, MI and formerly from Sharpsburg, GA. Sandy was born on September 3, 1924 in Dry Pond, Jackson County, GA; the son of cotton sharecroppers Allie Clarence and Wilma Jane Sailers. Lettie Ruth Standridge Sailers, his wife for more than 73 years, predeceased him.

After leaving his parents’ farm, Sandy worked in the WWII defense industry when he and Ruth were newlyweds. He first worked as a payroll clerk for Orkin Exterminating Co in Atlanta and over the decades worked at First National Bank, Atlanta, GA and ended his career as Vice President for Robinson Humphrey Stockbrokers in Atlanta, GA.

Sandy met Ruth when he was visiting her Maysville, GA high school English class. They were married 17 days later on November 14, 1943. Their letters written during these days were the basis of a Spring Arbor University Drama production called The Letters. Sandy and Ruth lived in Georgia until 2008 when they moved to Spring Arbor, MI.

Sandy knew Jesus as his personal savior and he served Him throughout his life. He is currently a member of The Arbor Church and the Line Creek Baptist Church. He was an active member in both churches, serving as a deacon, church librarian and various other offices. He didn’t say much, but others knew from the way he lived his life how consistent he was in this faith in Jesus Christ.

Sandy was a quiet yet influential man. He loved his immediate and extended family and spent many hours researching their genealogy. He authored a compilation of memories about his parents, As We Knew Them. This has become known in his family as “THE BOOK.” He was a gardener, even having a tomato plant on his deck in his later years. He loved taking photos and was often seen with a camera in his hand. His photos of the Spring Arbor University residence hall that was being built next door to his apartment were printed in a book called The Building of University Hall.

Sandy is the third of eight children. He is survived by his brothers, Hiram (Linda), Maysville, GA; Frank (Peggy), Baldwin, GA; Ralph (Liz), Elabell, GA. Predeceased siblings are Sacile Jarrett, Willard, Horace, and Larry. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their children. The highlight event of the year for Sandy was the Sailers Family Gathering, held every September, which brought all these relatives together.

Sandy is survived by his children, Dan Sailers (Eileen), Dallas, TX; Miriam Sailers Concord, MI; and Michele Tinsley (Alex), Sharpsburg, GA. Also surviving are grandchildren Stephen Sailers, Gulfport, MS; Kimberly Barnhill (Todd), Pensacola, FL; Anna Gay (Charles), Dallas, TX; Crystal Meehan, Kennesaw, GA; Chassie McCreary (Mac), Newnan, GA; Andrew Tinsley, Sharpsburg, GA; and great grandchildren Audrianna Hitchcock (Sam), Stephen Sailers, Summerville, GA, Jordan Roland (Brent), Jacob and Emileigh Anderson, Kennedy Holcomb (Matthew), Hayden Raya, Anslee and Harlee McCreary, Olivia and Harvey Gay; and great- great-grandchildren Nathan and Isabella Stivers, Cross and Jesse Hitchcock, Carter Roland, Emersyn Raya, and Jackson Sailers. His ‘adopted’ daughter, Phyllis McNeil, Decatur, GA predeceased him.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023, 1:00 pm, at Line Creek Baptist Church, 1488 Bob Smith Road, Sharpsburg, GA with Dr. David Hammonds officiating. The family will receive friends from noon – 1 pm that day. Interment at Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, GA.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mission Point Health and Angela of Heart to Heart Hospice for the care and kindness they showed Sandy. Contributions may be made to Line Creek Baptist Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home & Crematory, Peachtree City, GA.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carmichaelhemperleypeachtree.com for the Sailers family.