Jack Bandy
The world lost a good man on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Burl Jackson “Jack” Bandy, born on Oct. 17 1926, left this world having lived a full and blessed life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, BJ and Dicksie (Bradley) Bandy; his in-laws, Murray and Lucy (Speck) Whiteside; his sisters, Dicksie Tillman and Christine McCutchen; and his beloved wife of 57 years and mother of his children, Aggie Whiteside Bandy.
He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Bandy and her daughter, Leightta Sherrill; children, BJ Bandy III, Murray (Rosemary) Bandy, and Tana Harlan; grandchildren, Annalee Harlan, Blaie Bandy (Brad) Duckett, Tyler Bandy, Sarah Harlan (Biruh) Zegeye, Judson (McKinley) Bandy, and Will Harlan; and great-grandchildren, Adele and Greer Bandy, and Avalyn Duckett.
Jack, Daddy, Poppa, or Mr. B, will be sorely missed by his family, countless friends, and lovely wife Marg who kept him happy and in love for so many years. Although devastated, his family feels incredibly lucky to have had him as long as they did. He lived 93 wonderfully well-lived years on this Earth. Generosity for his community, unwavering love and loyalty for his family, church, and friends, and a vision for industry made for a life in perfect balance. His life is an inspiration to countless people. It has become commonplace for people to refer to him as their “hero” or “mentor.” Jack Bandy was and remains a name that elicits the same reaction in all who hear it- a smile. He was a tremendous human being in so many ways. He radiated confidence at all times while also remaining humble and grateful. He was a very positive person who downplayed the negative. He encouraged living a healthy lifestyle. He was a dedicated Christian man and a lifelong supporter of his church who sang louder than anyone in the pews. There is no question that he is in a beautiful place now. To know his heart is to know this story. One morning he said to his son, “The greatest man you will ever know is your mother’s father, Murray Whiteside, because Murray walks with God every day.” Jack never lost sight of his priorities in life.
His very long list of accomplishments and contributions to Dalton, to the industry, and to his beloved game of golf are widely known and impossible to fully list. Of these achievements, his greatest may be “philanthropist.” He always prioritized giving back, not only with his gifts but with his time and knowledge as well. There is no question that he was a pillar of the community and a living example of success in all areas of life.
To his family though, he was simply “Daddy” or “Poppa.” He did so much for so many, and at home, he was always warm, always loving, and always let them know how much he loved them. Without question, he showed up for and celebrated them. Family was of the utmost importance, and he regularly recounted stories of their heritage. Memories of his mother Dicksie, his father BJ, his sisters, his in-laws and extended family were regular tales to be recounted and delighted in. He was so proud of his family, past and present. He adored the newest additions, his great granddaughters, to the moon. He showed up to birthdays, graduations, and gave beautiful speeches at their weddings. He was present. He showed up and was always ready to celebrate and honor his family.
His family thanks God to have been blessed with such an unbelievable father and grandfather. They pray that through Christ he is surrounded with love and joy. They pray for everyone who knew and loved him. They thank you all for loving him. Your heartfelt stories mean the world to his family. May God bless him and may God bless you all.
His family wishes to thank the Emory University Hospital staff, especially Dr. Aneesh Mehta, MD for remaining at his bedside in prayer. We are forever grateful.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider charitable contributions in Jack Bandy’s memory to: First United Methodist Church of Dalton, 500 S. Thornton Ave. Dalton, Georgia 30720. Memo: In Memory of Jack Bandy or to Emory University, 1762 Clifton Road, Suite 1400 Atlanta, Georgia 30322. Memo: In Memory of Jack Bandy.