William Holland "Bill" Sands

William "Bill" Holland Sands, 71, passed away at his home in Jacksonville, Florida, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, after a long illness. He was born July 23, 1954, in Jacksonville.

After graduating from Duncan U. Fletcher High School in 1973 he went on to follow a long family line for a career in law enforcement. He attended and graduated from the St. Augustine Police Academy and then worked as a patrolman at both the Flagler Beach Police Department and Atlantic Beach Police Department, Sergeant at the Orange Park Police Department, and finished his career as Corporal at the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. In total his law enforcement career spanned 34 years.

Bill was an avid sports fan, especially of the Florida Gators, and attended many games before his health declined. He met the love of his life, Pam, on a blind date in 1977 and they were married in 1979. Bill made the most important decision of his life when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1978 and now has an eternal home in heaven.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Pamela Sands, his loving daughter Meredith Saliva (Luis), brother-in-law, John Shamp, sister-in-law, Carolyn Sue Sands, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Asa and Violet Sands, sisters, Wanda Hughes and Sandra Shamp, and brother Rex Sands.

A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel of Moloney-Hewell Funeral Home, 4140 University Boulevard, South, Jacksonville, FL 32216 on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The family will receive friends at 11AM and Memorial Service will follow at 11:30AM.