Dr. Sidney Sandridge, 89, of Harvest, passed away Thursday, May 4. Dr. Sandridge was born in Mount Fair, VA on May 24, 1927. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, then earned an AB degree from the University of Virginia, BD from Emory University, and PhD from Northwestern University. Dr. Sandridge entered the ministry of the United Methodist Church in 1950. He served several churches, but spent most of his career in higher education. He taught at Ferrum Jr. College and was President of Southern Seminary Jr. College in Virginia. In 1970, Dr. Sandridge was named President of Athens College where he was instrumental in getting the college incorporated into the state educational system. The student center at Athens State College was named in his honor, and he remained as president until 1981.
Dr. Sandridge was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, two sisters, and daughter, Sandi Lynn Sandridge. Survivors include his wife of almost 65 years, Gladys Brewer Sandridge; children, Jeff Sandridge (Dejuana), Kim Snell (Mike), and Jennifer Whitener (Bick); eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and his sister, Mary Sandridge of Crozet, VA.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Wednesday, May 10, at Ford’s Chapel United Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow at the church with Calvin Havens officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ford’s Chapel Benevolence Fund, The Parkinson’s Foundation, or Hospice Family Care.
