Extracted from The Lincoln News Messenger (Lincoln, CA)
Saturday, April 17, 2010

Perlie Levern “Sandy” Sandifer
8/1/1922 - 4/9/2010

Sandy was born August 1, 1922 in Smithdale, Mississippi and passed away peacefully with his family by his side at home in Auburn California on April 9, 2010.

He was raised both in Mississippi and New Orleans, La. before enlisting in the navy in 1941. During World War II he served on the aircraft carrier “Long Island”, as an aviation machinist before being honorably discharged in 1947.

He leaves behind his wife of 53 years Philomene, son Greg and wife Cathy, son Gary and wife Jade, daughter Sue Blount and husband Mike, son Mike and wife Linda, son Dave and wife Trudy, and son Jim, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was employed by National Life and Accident Insurance Company for 33 years including 14 years as manager of the Fresno office before retiring in 1980. He was a member of the Fresno Elks and also the Lions Club of Auburn.

He had a great love of sports, especially football and basketball, and a passion for life, but most of all a love for his family. He was a man who provided his family with a shining example of hard work, persistence, and a positive outlook on life. He found the good in everything, and brought out the best in everyone. He was the eternal optimist.

He understood the importance of a soft spoken word and how to use praise to encourage others. He was a true southern gentlemen who never lost his accent or the charm of his upbringing.

He loved to laugh, joke, tease, and have fun with those around him. He was an extremely kind and caring husband, father, and friend, and will be missed greatly by all who knew him.