Joe Williams Sandlin

Joe Williams Sandlin, 85, peacefully passed away on May 3, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born to Bob and True Sandlin on November 20, 1937. He attended Mount Pleasant schools through junior high and graduated from Texas Military Institute in San Antonio as a Company Commander in 1956. Joe met the love of his life, Sue Nicholls, while attending school in San Antonio. They were married in 1957 and moved to Mt. Pleasant where Joe began his career at Bob Sandlin Motors.

The couple was blessed with three children, Carol, Joe and Amy.

During his lifetime involvement in the automobile business as owner of Sandlin Motors, Joe saw many changes. He was able to mentor and help countless people throughout his career. Joe served as one of 30 statewide directors of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association. He successfully paved the way for Sandlin Motors future generations as the business is currently under the 4th generation of family ownership.

Mr. Sandlin was extremely civic minded, serving on the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, Mount Pleasant City Council, and Titus Regional Hospital Board of Managers.

Joe was a faithful and active member of Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. A member of the Janet Martin Sunday School Class, he served on the Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and Building Committee.

Known as Papa to his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their close friends, he lived a full life, spreading joy and fun wherever he could. He embodied his Christian beliefs and values with kindness, generosity and a positive attitude to all who knew him. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, golfing, traveling, and spending time in Rockport, Texas with family and friends.

Joe’s survivors include his wife of 66 years, Sue Nicholls Sandlin, daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Rick Anderson, son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Bernadette Sandlin, and daughter Amy Sandlin, five grandchildren and their spouses, Luke and Tasa Anderson, Katie and Keres Fite, Jaclyn and Dusty Hawkins, Rachel and Trey Oliver and Roslyn Sandlin and Michael McPherson and eight great-grandchildren, Hannah Anderson, Ava True Fite, George Fite, Ella Anderson, Jake Anderson, Josie Hawkins, Nicolas McPherson and Victor Oliver. Other survivors include sister, True Sandlin Mann, sister-inlaw and spouse, Sheila and Jim Murray, brother-in-law, Bill Ratliff, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sally Sandlin Ratliff, daughter-in-law Diana Salvucci, and grandson Richmond Kinder Sandlin.

Following a private family burial, a memorial service celebrating Joe’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2 pm at Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant. A reception will follow the service in the Gathering Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church or Cypress Basin Hospice.