Guy 'Sandy' Sandridge, 86

Guy “Sandy” Sandridge passed away of natural causes on March 28, 2012, at his home in Montana with his wife at his side.

Guy, better known as “Sandy” was born in Wynnewood, Okla., to Guy B. and Vera Sandridge.

His preschool days were spent in Texas with his parents and younger sister Peggy, where his father worked in the oil fields. By the time Sandy started school the family settled in Upland, Calif., where he completed his education, graduating from Chaffey High School in 1943.

He entered the Navy in 1944, serving several places in the U.S. and in the Philippines.

The day of his discharge in May 1946, his sister Peggy introduced him to her classmate, Leona Hill. They had their first date a week later and spent the next 65 years together.

Shortly after leaving the Navy, Sandy went to work at a grocery store and discovered his life's work, eventually buying a small market in Upland. By that time, four children had joined the family, Jeanne Marie, Susan Kaye, Danny Michael and Vickie Lynn. Their dad instilled a strong work ethic in his children, telling them “Everybody eats, everybody works!”

After owning Sandy's Market in Upland for many years, Sandy and Leona retired to the beautiful Middle Thompson Lake in Montana. Making friends wherever he went, he enjoyed his morning coffees at Happy’s Inn and was even a volunteer fireman for a few years.

“We will miss his wry sense of humor, his one-line “zingers,” his honesty, fairness and, most of all, that big smile.

We love you sweetheart, Daddy, Grandpa and Poppy.”

Sandy is survived by his wife, Leona Hill Sandridge; son, Danny M. Sandridge (Pauline, deceased); daughter, Susan K. Sandridge and Frank Meek; daughter, Vickie L. Leonhardt and Raymond; 10 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Sandy was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Peggy Foot; and daughter, Jeanne Marie Sandridge.

Services will be held on April 6 in Ontario, Calif.