Andy Andrews

Robert Gary Andrews was born on December 16, 1945 in Childress, TX to Ardeen (Beanie) and Colleen Andrews. Though he was named Robert, most called him Andy, his mother called him Gary, his close family called him Big Cuz, his children called him Dad and his grandchildren called him Papaw.
Andy lived in Childress with his parents until he was seven (7) years old and they moved to Dumas, TX. Some of Andy's fondest memories are from these early years in Childress where he was surrounded by first cousins he was blessed to have as a result of his father having seven (7) brothers and sisters who all lived in the area or returned home frequently to visit with their families. Though Andy was techically an only child, he did not consider himself one thanks to the deep, lifelong bond he had with these first cousins.
Andy was always proud to have grown up in Dumas (after moving there from Childress), making note of his pride every time the family drove through there on the way to family trips to the mountains. He had great friends growing up, many of whom he stayed connected with for the remainder of his life. He loved talking about the shenanigans he and his friends would get into, and how many "close calls" they had. He also enjoyed trips back to Childress and other family get togethers during this time, where he was able to spend time with his cherished first cousins. It was during this time that Andy earned the name "Big Cuz" among family after going through a significant teenage growth spurt. When Andy was ten (10), his father, who served as a volunteer fireman, was badly burned in the 1956 Shamrock Oil & Gas Refinery Disaster that resulted in the death of 19 firefighters. His father spent many months in the hospital and underwent extensive and painful skin graft surgeries and other procedures. This event had a significant impact on Andy and his family. Andy graduated from Dumas High School in 1964 and then moved to Canyon, TX to attend college at West Texas A&M.
While at West Texas A&M, Andy obtained a Biology degree. The military draft for the Vietnam War was going on at this time with deferment available to those who were actively attending college. Andy always gave full credit to the draft and this deferment opportunity for helping him find the motivation to finish college. College also led him to a chance meeting with the love of his life, Sondra Brown, just as he was about to graduate. They met at a mutual friend's house. Andy was about to leave and she was just arriving; ten minutes later and they would never have met. They dated for two (2) months, and then learned Andy was going to be drafted in June. Andy decided to join the Air Force in May (instead of waiting to be drafted) and also proposed to Sondra. They were married September 4, 1968 in Rantoul, IL on Chanute AFB.
Andy and Sondra were stationed at Hill AFB in Utah for 4 years. During this time, their three (3) children were born. Their daughter, Joni D'Ann, was born on May 17, 1971. Nothing brought Andy more join than recounting the birth of his daughter and first time holding her. Andy and Sondra then welcomed twin boys, Jarrett and Darryn, into the world on July 3, 1975. Notably, this was also the day Andy and Sondra learned they were having twins, as the doctors had not picked up on the second heartbeat in the months leading up to delivery. Andy loved re-telling the story of how he and Sondra learned in the delivery room that they were having not one, but two, sons.
From those years forward, Andy spent his life fully devoted to his children. He was loving, affectionate, supportive, kind and fun, but also stern when needed (which was often with the twins). He would have epic wrestling matches "two vs one" with the twins until he started hobbling away from the matches as the boys got bigger. He always had a sparkle in his eye anytime he talked about Joni. He enjoyed getting up early and cooking breakfast for the kids before school. Cheese toast, "S.O.S.", and banana milkshakes were some of his classics. He never missed a ballgame or other activity. He was a great dad.
After the military, Andy began his career as an educator. He began as a teacher and then became an administrator, serving as a principal at schools in the Panhandle and finishing in Cameron, TX, where he and the family moved in 1991. He absolutely loved working with young people, and having the opportunity to have an impact on them. He was particularly passionate about working with students who were less advantaged or from challenging backgrounds. One of his most cherished memories as an educator was his time as high school principal at White Deer High School when the football team won the state championship in 1988. He was always proud to have been a small part of that achievement, including eating raw worms with other administrators at pep rallies each time the team won a playoff game.
Andy was a devoted Christian and active member of the First Baptist Church, working with RA's and Junior High Youth. His faith was a cornerstone and guided him through the very difficult challenges of losing Joni and Darryn, and a twelve (12) year battle with cancer. His commitment to his faith, and his perseverance and fortitude during those times provided a tremendous example for his family and others. Andy was a fighter and continued to live a full life because he made the choice to do so every day.
Andy was a people person. He loved spending time with friends, family, and former students. Nothing made him happier than catching up with former students and hearing about their success or talking them through challenges. He always looked forward to the semi-annual Andrews family reunion where he could spend time with his cherished first cousins and their families, all of whom he loved deeply. Andy loved going to the mountains to fish as often as he could. A passion that started as a young kid growing up close to New Mexico and going fishing with his family at Eagle Nest, NM. He was a lifelong golfer and enjoyed playing with friends and family. Later in life, his passion became his grandchildren. He was immensely proud of each of them and continued his trend of attending every activity he could, even if it meant a three-hour drive after chemo to make it in time for a tip-off or kickoff.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents, Beanie and Colleen Andrews, daughter, Joni D'Ann Andrews, and son, Darryn Andrews.
Andy is survived by his beloved wife, Sondra Andrews, and their son, Jarrett Andrews, his wife Michelle and their children, Gage, Brinley, and Cade; and their son Darryn's children, Daylan and Jacey Andrews.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Darryn Andrews Memorial Scholarship c/o CISD Scholarship Foundation - Treasurer, PO Box 1214, Cameron, TX 76520.