Lester J. "Chico" Sandozz, Jr.

Lester Joseph Sandozz Jr., age 60, of 23009 Pheasant Court, North Dinwiddie, VA, departed this life Friday, January 13, 2023, at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, VA. 

Lester, affectionately known as Chico, discovered his passion many years ago as an auto detailer and remained true to it by working at major auto dealerships. He was most recently employed at CMA's Colonial Chevrolet in Chester, VA for well over 10 years and was known as one of the best auto  detailers in the area. He loved his coworkers and was truly passionate about his job. Even during the later stages of his illness, on many occasions, he expressed his desire to be at work doing what he did best, detailing cars and showcasing them in all their grandeur.

He had a very unique sense of humor, and if you had the pleasure of being in his presence you were sure to enjoy many laughs. Lester volunteered his services to the community as a driver in local parades for Faith and Hope Temple COGIC whereby he chauffeured the Woman of Excellence for three years driving his company’s finest vehicles coupled with his second to none auto detailing captivating attendees. The apple of his eye was his granddaughter Ja’kaylah.  He was often seen with her right by his side. 

Lester was preceded in death by his father, Lester Joseph Sandozz, Sr.; and his sisters, Angela Marie Sandozz, Gwendolyn Denise Sandozz, and Pamela Marie Sandozz. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his faithful and devoted wife of 25 years (36 years together) Marcella Denise Sandozz; his devoted and only son, Javonte Deandre Sandozz (Keishell) of Petersburg, VA; stepdaughters, Ashley Tiffany Strother of Houston, TX, and Teawanda (James) North Dinwiddie, VA; grandchildren, Ja’kaylah Sandozz, Marty Claiborne, Trejon Jones, Derrell Jones, Jawuan White, Salisa Jones, Jaeda White, and Ta'nya Jones; mother, Mary Elizabeth Sandozz of Richmond, VA; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Geraldine Johnson and Harry Lee Johnson of Petersburg VA; two brothers, Antonio J. Sandozz (Elsie), and Pedro J. Sandozz (Sandra) both of Petersburg,VA; brothers-in-law, Micheal Strother, James Strother, Christopher Strother, Wesley Hinton, Elon Ingram and John Abraham, Jr. all from Petersburg, VA, Ricky Abraham (Lakeisha) of Dinnwiddie, VA, and Truvon Humphery of Georgia; three sisters, Katrina Mason (Ronale) Hopewell, VA.,Valencia M. Noggin (Roger) of Colonial Heights, VA, and Quadella R. Jones (James) of Richmond VA; four sisters-in-law, Lisa Hinton of Apex, NC, Victoria Hinton, Samantha Hinton, and April Rives all of Petersburg, VA;  two  aunts, JoAnne Jackson of Petersburg, VA, and Rosa Lee Cox of Hopewell, VA; three uncles, Henry and Alexander Williams both of Petersburg, VA, and Clifford Williams of Atlanta, GA; four nieces, Quasean McLeod, Ralesha Noggin, Jasmine Sandozz, and Anisa Jones; two nephews, Jose Sandozz (Iman) and Roger Noggin III; a number of cousins in Beaumont, TX, and Petersburg, VA; many devoted friends one especially known as “Scab”and a very devoted cousin, James Cox of 29 Psalms, CA; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and Oncology Staff of Bon Secours Southside Medical Center, Petersburg, VA.  We will always be thankful for your support and dedication in assisting with our love one

Services will be held 12 NOON, Monday, January 23, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 151 W. Washington Street, Petersburg, VA, Father Gino Rossi, officiating. The interment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online on our J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook Page.