Martin Luther "Sandman" Sands

He is survived by his wife and partner of 15 years, Clare Sands; a daughter, Kayleigh,14; and a son, Alfie, 9; mother, Carole Sands of Thetford, England; father, Donald Foulke and step-mother, Karen Foulke of Monticello, Florida; sister, Rebecca Hanson and brother-in-law, Jeffrey Hanson of Orlando, Florida; brother, Kurtis DeVane of Thetford, Norfolk; step-brothers, Justin and Matt Woods of Live Oak, Florida; and numerous, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was born in England, and lived in Tallahassee, Florida, until he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He attended Leon High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps active duty from 1991-1995 and reserve duty 1995-1999. He returned to England in 1996 and discovered the sport of Rugby. He lived and worked in numerous professions, including warehouse management and HGV driving. He and his family recently immigrated to Tallahassee in December of 2012. He was a member of the Thetford Rugby Club, Diss Rugby Club, and most recently the Tallahassee Rugby Club. Martin started playing rugby 17 years ago for Thetford and he is the only undefeated Captain in the league. He was the most feared and talked about player in his region and was known as a universal player as he could play any position on the team. He not only played Rugby every week, he also coached his son Alfie’s Under 10 rugby team. He was a devoted father and husband, but his second love was Rugby. He passed away playing the sport he loved.

A Memorial Service will be held at Elizabeth Baptist Church, 4124 Bassett Dairy Road, Monticello, Florida 32344 on Friday January 18, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church, 30 minutes prior to the service. There will not be a graveside or burial service. After cremation, a second memorial service will be held in Thetford, England at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made directly to the surviving family members, Clare Sands, c/o Donald Foulke, 295 Canopy Rd., Monticello, FL 32344.