Bobby Ray Sands Obituary (1943 - 2021)

MAYODAN - Bobby Ray Sands, "Papa", 78, passed away on Monday morning, May 17, 2021, at his home. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was so very proud of his family and loved them dearly. Bobby was born on March 12, 1943 to Noel Thomas Sands and Pauline McCandless Sands. He was raised and attended school in the Pine Hall area. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his beloved sister, Nancy Sands Kendrick, whom he missed every day. He is rejoicing at being reunited with all his family that he missed dearly. He was employed by many companies in the area - Washington Mills, Sears, several local Service Stations, Waste Management and retired from Unifi, Inc. due to health issues. He loved nothing better than to sit and watch reruns of Andy Griffith Show and The 3 Stooges, have a cup of coffee and work in his Word Search Puzzle Books. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Carol Watkins Sands. Also, surviving is his son, Bobby Allen Sands of the home and daughter, Dana Sands Claybrook and husband, Mike, of Madison. He was blessed with two very special grandchildren that he loved with all of his heart; the apple of his eye, Cassidy Rae Claybrook and his very best friend, Samuel Michael Claybrook. He was also blessed with a "bonus" granddaughter, Taylor Kallam whom he loved like his own. He also had a very special sister-in-law that he loved, Joann Watkins Evans of Madison, as well as a beloved nephew, Todd Kendrick and wife, Jennifer of Germanton, NC. He loved his special neighbors, Ruth and Mae Martin. He attended The Refuge in Mayodan as long as his health permitted. He loved each member of his church family; with special thanks to Anita Robinson and family and "Mrs. Joey" (Yvonne Atkins). The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home in Madison. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in the Mayodan Municipal Cemetery. Please remember to follow COVID protocols. *For those wishing to attend the funeral service virtually, a link to the livestream will be available by clicking the TRIBUTE WALL tab above. The family will meet at the home of his daughter, Dana Sands Claybrook, 235 Sardis Loop, Madison, NC. Colonial Funeral Home in Madison is serving the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.colonialfh.net