George Washington Sands, Jr.

George Washington “Dub” Sands, Jr., 97, passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2025, following an extended illness. He was born on November 9, 1927, in the Georgia Bend to Baker County pioneers George Washington Sands and Nellie Thrift Sands.

Mr. Sands proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in Guam in the 1940s. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Macclenny, Florida, where he met and married Edna Velera Burnsed of Baxter. Together, they shared over 50 years of marriage until her passing, raising three children and living a life full of adventure.

George was a man of many talents and passions. He built moonshine cars, owned and operated a Chevrolet dealership for more than 30 years, and ran a thriving family farm. In retirement, he constructed a welcoming home for himself and Edna, where they enjoyed hosting friends and family. Known for his captivating storytelling, George brought joy and laughter to every gathering. He also had a deep love for bear hunting across Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, and was a proud member of the North Carolina Bear Hunting Association.

He is survived by his son Mike (Sherry) Sands of Macclenny; daughters Sherree (Byron) Brinkley of Macclenny , and Terri (Ronnie) Frame of Jacksonville; one sister, Annie Rogers of Jacksonville; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

A remembrance service to honor Mr. Sands’ life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 13, at the First Baptist Church of Macclenny with Dr. John Shultz officiating. The family will receive friends at the church at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. 

The staff of Guerry Forbes Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sands family during their time of loss.