Pastor William Fonville Gandy

William Fonville Gandy, 83, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on July 13, 2018 at the Florida Hospital in Tampa, Florida. William was born in Birmingham, Alabama and he lived in Tampa for forty-six (46) years. He moved into John Knox Village in January of 2017.

He received an Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Degree from Birmingham Southern in 1856; an Undergraduate Bachelor of Divinity from Duke University in 1959; and a Masters Degree in Theology from Duke University in 1963.  He loved his alma maters at Birmingham Southern and Duke University and was a lifetime learner and student. He also loved music and song.

As a Pastor for many years, William loved people, especially his family.  He loved ministering to others and getting caught up in another person’s passion. He was active in his community and his local church. He really loved the ‘couples club” of which he was a member, even after he wasn’t a couple any longer following Margaret’s passing.

He really enjoyed cooking and creating his own recipes. He volunteered with the AARP driver’s safety program in retirement. William was greatly appreciative of technology, learning new things, and discovering new people and places. He was known for his shenanigans, and enjoyed many adventures with his family throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Gandy; mother, Leslie Mae McEachern Gandy; wife, Margaret Jean Parham Gandy; grandson, Christian Lee Gandy; brother, Robert David Gandy; and sister, Maize Gandy.  He is survived by his son, Lee Gandy and his long-time girlfriend, Suzy Woollums; daughter, Marcia Gandy and long-time boyfriend, Aaron McMaster; grandchildren, Brandon, and his wife, Samantha, Jarrod, Joshua, and Aanwynn; and great-grandchildren, Allie, Noah and Natalee; and daughter-in-law, Christian’s wife, Jamie Gandy; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.