Dennis W Sandifer

Mr. Sandifer was born on April 21, 1938 in the Clear Branch community of Rankin County to Harold Burton and Maggie Mae Byrd Sandifer. He graduated from Florence High School in 1956 and joined the United States Marine Corps where he was stationed at Parris Island, South Carolina. He was in the Marine Reserves until 1963.

Following his military service, Mr. Sandifer was in the automotive parts sales business for 36 years and enjoyed making numerous lifelong friends as he traveled the state for this career as an employee of A.C. Shuren and Noel’s Auto Electric. In 1992, Mr. Sandifer began working for the City of Pearl Parks and Recreation - a perfect fit for him as he was an avid outdoors fan. His crew affectionately called him Papaw, and he was very fond of all of his workers. One of his most memorable experiences was the part he and his crew played when the Mississippi Braves Baseball Stadium was built in Pearl. After 15 years of service, Dennis retired as Director of Pearl Parks and Recreation in 2007.

After 51 years of working full-time, Mr. Sandifer’s long-awaited retirement was a blessed one. He loved hunting, fishing, playing dominoes, and going to the Mississippi Braves baseball games where he was proud to serve as an MBraves Booster. Some of Mr. Sandifer’s most precious memories were made at Mims Mitchell Hunting Club with his son-in-law and granddaughters.

Mr. Sandifer is survived by the loves of his life, his wife, Cecelia Reeder Sandifer; daughters Lisa Sandifer Ray and Ginger Sandifer Robinson, and son-in-law Greg Robinson; three granddaughters, Kalyn Robinson, Jordan Robinson, and Hartley Robinson and his constant furry companions, Sadie and Jaxon, who never left his side. He is also survived by his only sibling, John Burton Sandifer (Kenny Lee) of Monterey; two nephews, Scottie Sandifer and Stevie Sandifer; and two nieces, Janet Sandifer Lawson and Lorrie Sandifer Taylor.

Dennis was a faithful member of Pearson Baptist Church (Pearl, MS) for over 50 years. Although Mr. Sandifer loved and supported all of the preachers during his 5 decades at Pearson, he was overjoyed when his longtime friend, Calvin Williams, became his pastor. Dennis enjoyed many memorable times with Calvin and his family and viewed him as a son.

Visitation will be from 1:00pm until 2:00pm, Sunday, July 12, 2020, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Baldwin-Lee, with interment in Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery, 276 Clear Branch Road, Florence. Pastor Williams to officiate.

If so led, donations may be made in the name of Dennis Sandifer to Pearson Baptist Church, 151 South Pearson Road, Pearl, MS 39208.

The Sandifer family recommends guests wear masks while attending the services. For those who are unable to attend, the funeral service will be live streamed on the Baldwin-Lee Facebook page.