Wayne Frank Gandy, 72, of Joaquin, passed away November 17, 2022, in Joaquin.

Memorial services for Wayne Gandy, 72, will be held Monday, November 21, at 1:00 p.m., at Watson and Sons Funeral Home with Bro. Paul Silvey officiating.

Wayne Gandy, known to many as "Coach Gandy," went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 17, 2022. He was born on November 2, 1950, in Sugarland, TX, to William and Dorothy Gandy. He graduated from Dulles High School in 1969.  After high school, he went to Wharton Junior College to play football, later transferring to SFA where he graduated with a Master's Degree in Education. After college, he met and married his wife Cindy and began what would be a legendary 40 year career as a teacher and coach.

Coach was a man of many tales ( most of them true), but if you talked to him long, you knew how deeply proud he was of his "three good sons," Brian, Bradley, and Patrick.  He taught them the game of football he so loved and the importance of investing in the lives of others both on and off the field of play.

Coach always pushed you to be a better version of yourself, with his charismatic personality and a never quit mentality. He kicked off his coaching career as an SFA grad assistant, then had stints at Dulles High School, Brazosport, Angleton, and Danbury. He went on to be head football coach for 21 years at Huffman, Groesbeck, and Joaquin.

A loving husband, Dad, and PawPaw Coach, Wayne loved his family fiercely, and we rejoice in knowing he has a new body and one day we will see him again. What a team he is with now! Not sure if there is football in heaven, but if there is, no doubt he is already calling tight rip 66 toss and looking for the prettiest girl to dance with.

"He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7 Until we meet again…

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Cindy Gandy, son Brian Gandy and daughter-in-law Sarah, son Bradley Gandy, son Patrick Gandy and daughter-in-law Lacey, grandchildren Ellisyn Gandy, Naomi Gandy, Lylah Gandy, and Brock Gandy, brother Travis Gandy and his wife Gloria, brother Dale Gandy, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family, friends, and athletes.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Kimberly Ann Gandy, parents William and Dorothy Gandy, sister Candace Gandy, and twin brother Waylan Gandy.

Special thanks to Tammy and the Affinity Hospice Team for their care in the final months.