Gerald Wayne Gandy 1946-2014Gerry died of a heart attack on Sunday, the twenty-first of September, 2014, in Atlanta's Piedmont Hospital; aged sixty-eight years. He was a long time resident of the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta. On March 18th, 1946 in Century, Florida, he was born to Howard and Jewel Gandy. Mr. Gandy is survived by his two sons, Cullen and Miller, and their mother, Lori. He was also survived by his siblings, Joyce, Daniel, and Joseph, and his in-laws Joan, Peter, Catherine, and Butch; who cherished him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Gandy, a veteran of the Vietnam War, served as a Radarman third class in the United States Navy aboard the USS DeHaven DD-727, where he received an honorable discharge, having fulfilled his duties with due diligence. He also worked as a private investigator with Business Information Services. Mr. Gandy was an excellent writer and possessed a great love and intuition for music, specifically opera. He was no artistic dilettante, and he had a tuneful voice. He was a thoughtful and supportive father; the most successful endeavor of his life.
Shipmate Don Kovacs remembers: I was deeply saddened by the loss of one of my best friends. Gerry and I worked side by side in CIC and at times it seemed as though we were attached at the hip when we went on the beach together. We mastered the art of karate (so we thought) and spent hundreds of hours scuba diving when time permitted. All of us in the "OI" division were a close knit family. No different than anyone on board from any other division. We never lost contact after leaving the DeHaven and in fact routinely had both lunch and dinner together in Atlanta. He truly wanted to be part of the reunion this year but his health prevented that requiring a left shoulder replacement during the reunion. Complications developed soon thereafter. As we all get older it's important to remember "our brothers in arms." We had many enlightening discussions and the memories on board seemed to be the best. He will be truly missed.
Shipmate Bob Yapp remembers: Gerry Gandy had a big heart and a great disposition in spite of the circumstances that he might be facing. He would typically put others before himself and was quick to listen and when needed, offer a word of encouragement. He also had a quick wit and was always ready for the next prank to pull. We had many laughs on board the DeHaven , on the phone throughout the years, and at the two reunions he was able to attend. I will miss the banter and laughter he brought into my life.
Shipmate George Hofius remarks: "Fair winds! Following Seas! I will miss you. Your Buddy and Shipmate"
Shipmate Dan Ferrara remarks: "Did not know you as long as I would have liked, but the time we spent in CIC we were part of a close knit group and we worked well together in all our gunfire missions. I will miss you Jerry."
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