John "Sandy" Allan Acton, beloved father, grandfather, and husband, passed away on May 23, 2023, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC, the city of his birth and the city he loved. Born on October 20, 1945, Sandy was a pillar of his community and a testament to a life well-lived.
After graduating from Broughton High School in 1963, Sandy attended Wake Forest University, earning a BA in Business Administration in 1967. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and bravely served a tour in Vietnam, demonstrating the strength of character that would define his life.
Following his military service, Sandy built a distinguished 50-year career in commercial real estate, leaving an enduring legacy across the East Coast from Florida to North Carolina.
Sandy found his partner in life in Anita from Wilmington, NC. Their bond was characterized by deep love, mutual respect, and shared values. Known for his affectionate nature, Sandy often called Anita just to say “I love you” throughout the day.
Sandy was preceded in death by his parents, Philip Allan Acton and Dorothy Dizor Acton. He is survived by his wife Anita; his son Allan Acton and daughter-in-law Maria; his daughter Laura Acton Patton and son-in-law Stephen Patton; his grandchildren Molly and Jack Acton, and Hattie, Ellis, and Louise Patton.
Lovingly called “Gritty” by his five grandchildren, Sandy cherished every moment with them. Be it a shared ice cream, a trip to Krispy Kreme for donuts, or attending their sporting events, each interaction ended with a heartfelt hug and “I love you.”
Family vacations at Sunset Beach, NC, were integral in his mission to foster strong familial bonds. Here, the grandchildren would play in the ocean, explore “Pirate Island”, and learn to make homemade ice cream.
The air at these gatherings was filled with laughter and love, especially during shared meals. Gritty would sit back with a contented smile, soaking in the joyous moments. These times embodied his vision: a family united by love and respect. His legacy, evident in the bonds between his grandchildren, was his proudest accomplishment.
Sandy cherished his expansive network of friends, many of whom he’d known since elementary school and his anticipation for the upcoming high school reunion was palpable. Regular spontaneous calls, often made during a simple drive, were his signature way of maintaining these bonds. He firmly believed that true wealth wasn’t found in material possessions, but rather in the richness of relationships.
The visitation was held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on St. Mary’s Street in Raleigh on June 1, 2023, from 5-7 pm. A memorial service followed the next day at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh at 2 pm on June 2, 2023.
You can watch the recording of the service by clicking on this link:(https://vimeo.com/833486286/dc1a051511).
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the North Carolina Heart Association. A link for contributions can be found below.
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