Lawrence Edward “Sandy” Sands, 87, of North Adams died peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Van Rensselaer Manor surrounded by his loving family. Lawrence was born in Harriman, Tennessee on May 18, 1937. Lawrence was the son of Lewis Sands & Mamie Venia (Clough) Sands. He was the oldest of 5 children.

At the age of 17, he left his hometown to support and defend his country by enlisting in the US military. Lawrence was a decorated veteran of the United States Airforce, honorably serving during the Vietnam War as a Tech Sgt. During that time, while stationed in Wiesbaden Germany, he met the love of his life, Martha, who was visiting family living in Germany at the time. After a brief courtship, they married in North Adams, MA on June 20, 1970. After serving his time in Germany, he was then assigned to Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, MA. His military career concluded at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. He proudly served his country for 22 years. Upon retiring from the military, he went on to become a versatile “handyman” for several area businesses including: Mayflower Moving Company, Arnold Print Works, and Gallop and Casey Insurance Company. He accepted a maintenance position at the US Post Office in North Adams and retired in 2000.

Lawrence will always be remembered for Southern drawl, hard - working hands, and bright blue eyes. He would be seen around town driving a Chevy pick up truck while listening to classic country music and drinking a cold Coca Cola. He had many interests throughout his life. He was an active athlete throughout his earlier years including softball, football, handball and skeet shooting. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Tennessee sports teams. He also spent many cold winter days perched up in a tree -stand with his nephews and friends hunting for deer. Even if he didn’t get the game he was hoping for, he captured many endless laughs and comradery. For 49 years, Lawrence took great pride in his home on Charlene Street. He enjoyed maintaining his yard and working in his shed. 

 He developed a passion for woodworking and became known for his flower baskets, watering cans and cutting boards. Lawrence took great pride in his work and loved to share his pieces with anyone. Word spread fast of his talent and before long he was selling his crafts around town. Lawrence was also known as a man of luck. Scratching lottery tickets and playing Blackjack were his favorite pastime activities. However, he would say that his luckiest days were spent with his 5 grandchildren, Ava, Samantha, Sergio, Carson and Lila. He was known as “Mampy” and every minute spent with them was filled with joy, pride and unconditional love. You could occasionally catch him wearing his “My favorite people call me grandpa” shirt around the house. Time together with his family always included a hearty southern meal. Cube steak with milk gravy and barbecued spare ribs were his signature dishes. However, breakfast was his specialty, especially chocolate gravy and biscuits. He would start cooking before the sun came up. The closest thing to Lawrence’s country cooking was found at his favorite restaurant, Cracker Barrel. Long stories of Lawrence’s childhood always gained the attention of anyone in the room. Although he left home at such a young age, he always managed to stay connected to his southern roots through his stories. He had endless tales about his military experiences, as well. Lawrence enthusiastically reminisced about his past and loved sharing all his memories.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Martha (Thomann) Sands, son, Stephen Sands (Lisa) of Clifton Park, NY, Stephanie Ferriero (Carmen) of Wynantskill, NY, son, James Wesley Sands (Dora) of Wichita, KA, 5 grandchildren, 2 sisters, Mamie Whittenbarger and Martha Effinger, brother Lester Sands and was predeceased by a brother, Melvin Douglas Sands.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A funeral to celebrate the life of Lawrence Sands will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in North Adams on Friday December 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery with full military honors. Calling hours will be Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 3p.m. to 6 p.m. at the FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. Memorial contributions may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church In care of the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.