George Gandy

George Glenn Gandy, 83, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, after a long journey with dementia. He spent his final years surrounded by compassionate care at the Artesia GoodLife Senior Care Facility.

George was born on January 10, 1942, in Gainesville, Texas, to Gordon Glenn Gandy and Lucy Lucille Parkhill Gandy. As the oldest of four children, he grew up with a strong sense of responsibility, family, and faith-qualities that shaped his life and legacy.

He graduated from Lubbock High School in 1960 and went on to earn a degree in Business Finance from Texas Tech University in 1964. Following graduation, he began his professional career with Rix Life Insurance Company in Lubbock, Texas.

In 1978, George moved to Artesia to join American Home Security Life Insurance Company. More than a decade later, in January 1990, he and his beloved wife, Barbara, purchased a small insurance agency in Carlsbad. Together, they founded what is now George Gandy Insurance Agency, which has grown to 17 locations statewide. George took immense pride in the business he built-one grounded in integrity, service, and genuine care for people. He was widely respected throughout the insurance industry for his honesty and professionalism.

George married Barbara in July 1979, and together they shared 46 devoted years. Their blended family brought George tremendous joy, and he embraced Barbara's children as his own. He was known as an exceptional husband, father, and grandfather, lovingly called "G-Daddy" by his grandchildren, employees, and many close friends.

One of George's greatest pleasures in life was watching his grandchildren participate in sports and school activities. He and Barbara traveled countless miles to support them and also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad together.

Deeply committed to his community, George served as past president and board member of the Door of Opportunity and was a member of the Artesia General Hospital Board. He took great pride in supporting local students and organizations for many years.

George was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Gandy; daughters Christie Flowers (Clay) of Artesia, Christie Spencer of Covington, LA, Lisa Woffard (Breck) of Lubbock, TX, and Michelle Whitmire of Artesia; sons Greg Gandy (Karen) of Houston, TX, and Michael Stark (fiancée Heidi Bryan Cobb) of Albuquerque, NM.

He leaves behind grandchildren Cadence Stark of Taos, NM; Ethan Stark of Roswell, NM; Garrison Gandy and Grant Gandy of Houston, TX; Hailee Harris (fiancé Bryson Ballew) of Artesia, NM; Jamie and Lorie Spencer of Covington, LA; Jett and Jenna Whitmire of Artesia; Tanner Harris (Joli) of Artesia; Trevor Whitmire (Kolby) and Triston Whitmire (Alyia) of Lubbock, TX; and great-grandchildren, Chloe and Justin Spencer of Covington, LA; Colton and Cooper Schafer of Artesia, NM, and Brooklyn and Shiloh Whitmire of Lubbock, TX.

He is also survived by his sisters Marilyn Davis of Pampa, TX, Sharon (Gordon) Miller of Brownfield, TX, and Deborah (Wayne) Woods of Richardson, TX, along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Terpening and Son Mortuary, with the family greeting visitors that evening.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Artesia, with Pastor Mike Duff officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons: Ethan Stark, Garrison Gandy, Grant Gandy, Jett Whitmire, Tanner Harris, Trevor Whitmire, and Triston Whitmire. George will be laid to rest at Woodbine Cemetery in Artesia.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Jody Salgado; the Artesia and Carlsbad GoodLife Senior Care staff; caretaker Norma Renteria; longtime housekeeper and family friend Sol Pritchard; and George's cherished lunch buddies: Per Landeck (deceased), Joe Pemberton, Bart Hanson, and Ottie Spier. A special acknowledgement to our long-time employees and to Begoña Wotring for their dedication, help, and steadfast presence. Your compassion has made an incredible difference.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of George to:

• Faith Baptist Church, 401 S. 20th St., Artesia, NM 88210

• Artesia GoodLife Senior Care Facility, 906 Pistachio Trail, Artesia, NM 88210