Billy Sands

Billy  Ray Sands, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 11th.  Billy was born in Glennville, Georgia on May 26, 1943 to Clarence and Laverne Sands.  Billy served four years active duty with the U.S. Air Force and nineteen years with the Florida National Air Guard.  He retired after over 30 years from the Jacksonville Fire Department.  He spent the majority of his career as Captain of Station 2 (Springfield Deuce). Billy was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, member of the VFW Post 9560, and a 32nd Degree Free Mason (Lodge 196).  Always servant minded, he also served in many positions in his local community of Charlton County; Coordinator for the Volunteer Fire Department, Board of Assessors, Civil Defense Director, Homeland Police Chief and for the past 10 years he was the Magistrate Judge of Charlton County and the Municipal Court Judge of Homeland.  Billy was happily married to his high school sweetheart, Annette for over 52 years.  Billy is survived by his wife, Annette, his children, Matt (Lisa)Sands, Dana (Johnny) O'Quinn, his grandchildren, Jessica, Katie, Jamie and Jacob, all of Folkston, GA and his brothers Larry (Lynn) Sands of Keystone Heights, FL and Gary (Patsy) Sands of Green Cove Springs, FL.  Billy touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.  It was Billy's desire any memorials be made in his name to Wounded Warrior Project or Heartland Hospice 664 Scranton Road, Unit 103, Brunswick, GA 31520 .

The family will receive friends Thursday, June 13 at Shepard Funeral Home from 6-8 PM.  Funeral services will be held Friday, June 14 at 10:00 AM at the Folkston United Methodist Church.  Committal Services will be held Friday, June 14 at 3:00 PM at Glennville Veterans Cemetery, 8819 US Highway 301, Glennville, Georgia.  Rev. Dave Willett and Rev. Felix Haynes will officiate.  Fireman and Military Honors will be rendered.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com .  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, Georgia.