Edgar “Ed” Franklin Bandy

ROCKY MOUNT - Edgar "Ed" Franklin Bandy, age 84, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018. He was born in Northampton County, Rich Square, NC on April 2, 1934. He was the son of the late Raymer Franklin Bandy and Agnes Lassiter Bandy. He is also preceded in death by his brother, John Bandy. Ed was a long time devoted member of First United Methodist Church and later, Englewood United Methodist Church. Ed was the 65th Eagle Scout in The Troop 11 BSA in 1946. He was a member of the Jaycees, President of the Rocky Mount Saddle Club and organizer of the annual horse shows. He was an avid sportsman. During high school in Rocky Mount, he lettered in basketball and football. During high school, he was an All-State football tight end, and earned a full-ride football scholarship to Wake Forest University, but chose to walk on the basketball team, instead. He loved to sing the Wake Forest Fight Song, and cheer for his team. He supported his children and grandchildren in sporting endeavors, as he took his four girls to horse shows and watched every baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball game his grandchildren played. In later years he enjoyed playing golf with his grandchildren and friends. Ed was a loving and kind father who devoted his entire life to his family and friends. He also loved all animals and spent many hours with his pony Sugar Boy, his cat Miss Kitty, his dogs, Rip and Ginger and the children's horses and ponies, most notably Mr. Golddigger. Ed enjoyed spending family vacations on the Pamlico Sound where they enjoyed waterskiing, fishing, and crabbing together. The family also loved to go to the Tar River Gun Club where he, his brother and his father were members, and enjoyed time together during the off-season. Ed was a graduate of Wake Forest University and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. In college Ed took ROTC classes, and upon graduation he served six months active duty in artillery school at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was a member of the US Army Reserves for eight years and retired with the rank of Captain. His business life involved selling cars for several decades in Rocky Mount. First, he worked at Ray Bandy's Dodge and Plymouth Dealerships owned by his father. After earning a BA degree at Wake Forest and later his father's death, he took over the business. It was his privilege to continue his father's legacy of selling cars. His many repeat customers attest to his sterling reputation in business. Ed Bandy treated everyone with dignity and respect, and was the same to all regardless of their station in life. One young friend said it best, when he said, "He was the finest man I've ever known". A former employee once wrote, "You have been so much more than an employer, you have been a trusted and true friend. Your patience, counsel, and generosity have brought us a long way". Ed leaves behind to cherish the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Tonya Pennington Bandy of Rocky Mount and daughters; Elizabeth Bandy Cockrell and her husband, Craig, of Wilmington, Susan Bandy Leonard and her husband, Mike of Nashville, Mary Bandy Simpson of Rocky Mount, Martha Bandy Perry and her husband, Donald, of Nashville; grandchildren, Thomas Sykes and wife, Irina, Charles Simpson, Dillon Cockrell and wife, Kristen, Emory Sykes, Ashley Simpson, Susannah Sykes, Luke Cockrell and Melissa Leonard Gay and husband, Brad; his great-grandchildren; Nolan Sykes, Maya Sykes, Haley, Carter, Levi and Emma Gay, as well as, many nieces and nephews. Ed also leaves behind a sister, Mary Bandy Daughtry and husband, Harry, of Goldsboro along with Special Best friend, Dr. Preston H. Bradshaw. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Dr., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Pastor Terry Williams officiating. Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service in the Narthex of the church. Burial will take place at Pineview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association Eastern NC, 3737 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612 or Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Dr., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 and/or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Englewood United Methodist Church Narthex 300 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Monday 4/30, 2:45 pm - 3:30 pm Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service in the Narthex of Englewood United Methodist Church. Service Englewood United Methodist Church 300 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2926 --> | Monday 4/30, 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Dr., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Pastor Terry Williams officiating. Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Monday 4/30 Burial will take place at Pineview Cemetery.