Claude Ashburn Sandy
Claude Ashburn Sandy, age 90, passed away on February 11, 2025. His gentle soul is now with God and; though he’ll be greatly missed by his family, friends and community, he has regained his much valued independence, free at last.
Claude was born November 14, 1934 in Callao, VA, to Grayson and Eloise Sandy. His only sibling and older brother, Grayson Sandy predeceased him.
He leaves behind his four children – Michael Sandy; Christopher Sandy (Lori) and three children Melissa Higgins (Lloyd), Jordan Sandy, Olivia Sandy; Paul Sandy (Pam) and two children Trent Sandy, Jill Sandy; Claudia Sandy (David Arndt) and her son, T.J. Keevin (Brittany). He is also survived by 4 great grandchildren, Alexis Stanko, Jaina Keevin, Leon Keevin, and Charlotte Higgins.
Claude is also survived by his loving wife, Lois, stepsons Richard (Tracy) and three children Laine, Drew, and Riley; Erik (Stefanie) and two children McKenna and Blake.
All will treasure vivid memories of Claude's kind and gentle ways. He cultivated a special love for his border collie, Haley, and they hiked many miles around the neighborhood and nearby parks for more than fifteen years.
His father thought Claude would pursue architecture, having seen him draw detailed buildings and houses. While it was just a pastime activity, he kept a portfolio of many of his creations and that pastime may have contributed to his courageous home building projects, a part time contracting business, and the “House Doctors” building business he had with friends.
Claude graduated from Randolph Macon College, University of Richmond, and the University of Virginia where he earned his doctorate in educational psychology. Although he taught math in two Henrico County junior high schools; was an elementary principal in Richmond; and served for many years at the State Department of Education as Director of Research and Testing and as the Director of Sciences and Elementary Education; he valued most his position as guidance counselor at Bainbridge Junior High School. There he assisted individuals and groups with high school program planning and involved them in career activities to motivate them toward improving their lives. For many years, he was on the Hanover Mental Health Board, serving as president several times.
Claude completed Officer Candidate School at the Coast Guard Academy, trained in port security and served in Norfolk, VA. He’d smile as he vividly remembered one assignment to the resort island of Nantucket as part of a rescue mission. He served in the Coast Guard reserves for many years.
Claude was always involved in sports. He played baseball on a summer travel team right after college. For many years, he jogged around his alma mater, Randolph Macon College, and Ashland. He consistently recorded Cooper Fitness points on his calendar to monitor his exercise regime. He took up golf, then laid it aside for tennis, which he wholeheartedly enjoyed with many Ashland tennis buddies.
In Charlottesville, he joined Boars Head and, for many years, played in club and USTA tournaments, both singles and doubles. He earned numerous trophies and made lasting friendships. For more than twenty years, he, Lois, and tennis friends traveled to the US Tennis Open in Flushing, NY, to watch the best of the best players in the world.
Claude returned to golf and became both an avid golfer and tennis player well into his eighties often playing several times each week. Many friends valued playing with him as a friend with amazing skill and sportsmanship.
Visitation will be held Thursday evening, February 20, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Teague Funeral Home, 2260 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA. A celebration will honor Claude’s life on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., at Ivy Creek United Methodist Church, 674 Woodlands Road, Charlottesville, VA. A gravesite burial will be held at his home church, Henderson United Methodist Church, 72 Henderson Drive, Callao VA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Claude’s honor to Ivy Creek United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association 1010 Ednam Center Suite 203, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
The family extends their deepest appreciation for the care Claude received at the Memory Care facility at Linden House. Caretakers were compassionate and kind as they gave him their best.
