Michael Hayward Gandy

PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Michael Hayward Gandy, 87, passed away at his home on Oct. 19, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born in Washington D.C., the oldest of three children, to parents Alfred and Helen Gandy. Michael was raised in Freeport, attending schools there. After graduating from Freeport High School, he began his military career with the United States Air Force.

Michael married his high school sweetheart, Carol (Crone) Gandy, and were married 63 years until her death in 2020.

Michael is survived by his four children, Lisa Benson (Bryan), Scott Gandy, Tina Coiner (Mickey), and Jill Rigdon (David). He was very proud of his eight grandchildren, Justin Gandy (Jessica), Brandi Stevens (Robby), Jennifer Stratton (Josh), James McCusker (Melanie), Julie Hough, Brittany Linn, Samantha Gandy, Jessica Riley (Eric); and dearly loved his 13 great-grandchildren.

Michael is survived by two sisters, Susan Clifford (Phil) of Freeport, Barbara Steele of Winthrop; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Michael retired from the USAF in 1979 as a Senior Master Sergeant (SMS, E8). His time spent in security service specializing in radio communications with remote tours to Thailand and Turkey. During his military career, he had several assignments to Texas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, California, Florida, England and Italy; also visiting Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland and Monaco.

Upon retiring from the USAF, Michael returned to college earning an MBA from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Miss. After graduation, he began a 15-year career in Civil Service at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., with the 325th Civil Engineering Squadron as an alarms systems technician.

After retiring from civil service, Michael enjoyed taking painting classes and spending time at the TAFB hobby shop. He loved spending time outside in his yard and always had numerous projects ongoing in his shop. He enjoyed his quieter days painting, woodworking, jewelry making, stained glass art and genealogy.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Heritage Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at Garden of Memories Cemetery, with Tony Teas of Bear Creek Assembly of God officiating.

Those wishing to extend condolences online may do so at http://www.heritagefhllc.com.