Garrett Sands

William “Garrett” Sands, age 17, tragically passed away March 28, 2018, a day we will never forget. He lived in Terre Haute, having moved from Lake City, FL when he was 6. Garrett was born to Jayna and Dean on April 19, 2000. He was looking forward to his 18th birthday, as he was ready to take that next step in life.

After graduating early this year, his senior year, he accepted an apprenticeship with Smart Plumbing. In addition to learning plumbing, he was in college learning HVAC. He was very proud of his career choice, and was doing well. Previously he worked at Fazoli’s, and had his own landscaping and car detailing jobs.

He worked out and transformed his body with impressive results, especially for a boy his age. He could run 13 miles and did so in local marathons. He attended Fuqua elementary school and ran both cross country and track for Sarah Scott and South HS. He strived hard to earn his letter. He wanted it so badly that he learned how to do hurdles and achieved Academic Honors. He was so determined. He finally lettered his senior year. He wore his letter jacket with pride. He did it!! That’s the way he approached everything: with his heart.

In the 8th grade, he was recognized by his teachers and was chosen to receive the Servant Hearts award from the Tanoos family, which is presented to an 8th grade student that embodies the characteristics of “servanthood.” A disabled neighbor was trying to pick up limbs from his yard in the rain, and G picked up a truckload for him. The man offered him money and he wouldn’t take it. Instead, he told him he did it out of the goodness of his heart. That’s who he was, a helper. He was a character and loved to make people laugh.

He loved Christmas lights and would decorate both the inside and outside of the house, even the rooftop, and decorated a small Christmas tree in his room. He was a chicken wing eating fool. B-dubs! Other things that made him happy: NASCAR, his dad’s dirt track racing, his lifelong admiration of Jeff Gordon, Kyle Larson (he autographed G’s phone!), Jacked Ranch Dipped Hot Wings Doritos, Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos, sour straws and strips, King of Queens, The Amazing World of Gumball, playing Minecraft, and decorating cakes. He LOVES LOVES LOVES the movie trilogy Cars and anything and everything about them. He was always fascinated with the weather, and enjoyed attending Winter Jam concerts, especially when Skillet performed.

He enjoyed camping and fishing with his step-father, and a good fire. His music: Second Chance by Shinedown, Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts, Foreigner, Nickelback, The Weeknd, Didn’t Have to Be by Brad Paisley, Bruno Mars, Adele, and so many more. One that was important to him was Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Simple Man－ his mom’s song to him. He enjoyed spending much of his free time with his girlfriend, Sydni. Garrett accepted Jesus into his heart and was baptized. He was so happy. We already miss you terribly, sweet boy.

Garrett leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Jayna & Jason Sullivan; father and stepmother Dean & Tracie Sands; sister and brother-in-law Rachael & Joe Smith, and stepbrother Jason Sullivan Jr.; grandparents Sam & Paula Jones, and Bill & Joyce Sands; aunts/uncles/cousins: Melinda & Kevin West, Shelby, Justin, Alivia, & Nova Creasey, Lindsay West; Amie & Danny Burke, Eric, Audrey, & Seth Magill, Ashton and Emma Burke; Jessica McKillop & Michael Johnson, Carlei McKillop and Lydia Glaziner; our animals Mello and K9 Sky; and the rest of the “Betty Tree” with about 100 relatives, and several relatives who live in Florida; his girlfriend Sydni, whom he adored, and the rest of the Derickson family.

Per Garrett’s wishes, everything that could be donated was donated, including corneas and tissue. To the end, he had a Servant’s Heart. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, April 2, 2018, at New Life Community Church located at 815 Ohio Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807, with Paul Carey officiating. Visitation is at 12:00 p.m. and service from 1-3 p.m. Thomas Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomasfuneralhome.net