Obituary - T. Gordon Sandridge

T. Gordon Sandridge, CPPO, age 93, of Richmond and Virginia Beach, VA, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 11.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ashbrook Sandridge, and his parents, Nannie Frayser Sandridge and Zechariah Anderson Sandridge. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Chalkley Bulifant Schmidt Sandridge, son Glenn Sandridge (Lanie), daughter Susan Sandridge Mitchell and two stepchildren, Thomas L. Bulifant (Brenda) and Aimee Bulifant Watson (Charles), four grandchildren, Chris Jones, Ryan Mitchell, Melanie Sandridge and Allen Sandridge, six step-grandchildren, TL Bulifant, Jr, Neal Bulifant Younce (Tyler), Joseph Altman, Langley Altman, Ricky Kirk (Karla), Billy Kirk (Taylor) and five step-grandchildren.

He attended John Marshall High School, Corps of Cadets, Company C, Class of 1948. He also attended RPI and VCU. He was President of the John Marshall High School Cadet Alumni Association.

Gordon had a combined service of 45 years as the Director of Special Services and Director of Logistical Services for Richmond Public Schools and Director of Construction and Maintenance for Henrico County Public Schools. He was a Charter Member, Life Member and President of the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing, President and Fellow of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, and Vice President of the Institute of Purchasing and Supply of Great Britain. He received the highest awards from both the state and national organizations.

Since 1958, Gordon has been a member of the Third Presbyterian Church (now Third Church). He served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Court-Appointed Trustee, Treasurer, Elder, and President of the Church Endowment Corp.

He served the Virginia National Guard for 43 years, retiring as Chief Warrant Officer W4. He was Military Aide-de-camp to Governor Jim Gilmore.

Gordon was involved in his children’s activities and served as a charter member and President of the Three Chopt Recreation Club, and Chairman of the James River Aquatic Club. He served as a swimming referee and meet director for many years at recreation and country clubs in the Richmond area. He also spent many years as Assistant Scoutmaster of BSA Troop 42.

The Governor of Kentucky appointed Gordon a Kentucky Colonel. In Virginia, Gordon served as President of the Richmond Civitan Club, Chairman of the Henrico County Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services Board that served the counties of Charles City, New Kent, and Henrico. He was a Glen Allen Masonic Lodge 131 member for 66 years.

His service to the country, community, and family were hallmarks of his life. However, Gordon will be best remembered for his joie de vie, his honesty, his integrity, and his infectious laughter.

Graveside services will be private with military honors. Memorials may be sent to Third Church, 420 Parham Rd, Henrico, VA 23229.