Paul Denham Sandifer

Dr. Paul Denham Sandifer, 86, of Chapin, died March 30th, 2018. Born in Mt. Helena, Mississippi, April 18th, 1931, he was a son of the late Troy Lee Sandifer Sr. and Margaret Cogdell Sandifer. Dr. Sandifer was a graduate of Mississippi College, received his master’s degree in physics and mathematics from the University of Mississippi, and doctorate in Educational Research and Measurement from the University of South Carolina. He taught in the public schools of Mississippi and Wyoming, served in various capacities in the Wyoming Department of Education for seven years, was the Director of the Office of Research in the South Carolina Department of Education for seventeen years, and for five years prior to his retirement was employed as the Assistant Vice President for Test Development by ACT, Inc. in Iowa City, Iowa. He was a long time member of Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, and, for a number of years, as a member of the Chancel Choir. He also served as an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City, Iowa.

Dr. Sandifer is survived by his wife, Mary M. Sandifer; daughters, Lela Perkins (Jack) and Karen Holmcrans. Also surviving him are grandchildren Dr. Rhett Perkins (Alison), Dr. Hayden Perkins (Jessica Anne), Dr. Jessica Perkins McCutchen (Mac), and Mary, Katherine, and Dylan Holmcrans; great-grandchildren Preston, Ashton, John Seton, Walker, Elizabeth, and Anne Hayden Perkins. In addition to his parents, Dr. Sandifer was preceded in death by his sister Faye Ross (King) and his brothers Troy Lee Jr., Bobby, and Billy Sandifer.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Dr. Sandifer will be held April 3rd, 2018 at twelve o’clock at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, 530 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Reverend Jana Creighton will officiate. A visitation will be held prior to the service from ten until eleven thirty in the fellowship hall.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church or a favorite charity.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com