Charles Martin (Colonel) Sandridge, 85, of Raphine, Virginia, passed away on January 24, 2021 at Augusta Medical Center in Fishersville.

Colonel was the son of the late Charles and Nellie Sandridge.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Francis Gilbert.

Colonel leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Helen; a son, Michael (Julie); a daughter, Pamela Burks (Kenny); three grandsons, Adam (Marybeth), Brian (Whitney) and Jordan Burks; and two great-grandsons, Quinn and Owen Sandridge.

Colonel was a rural letter carrier for Raphine for 33 years and a farmer all his life. One of his greatest joys was riding in the tractor raking and helping his son on the farm.

He was a member of the Brownsburg Ruritan Club for 63 years and a lifetime member of the Blue Ridge Moose Lodge for 50 years where he served two terms as their Governor. He was a member at New Providence Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and chairman of the cemetery committee.

Colonel will be remembered as a happy, fun loving, good friend to many, and never met a stranger. He loved his family, but his grandsons and great-grandsons were the light of his life. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.

The past couple of years had taken its toll of him battling diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, and the loss of his sight. Through all this, he never complained and kept his positive attitude. Some of his favorite things to do were playing cards (Poker with his Friday night buddies, Rook, and Setback), throwing corn hole, bowling and coaching in the Monday seniors league.

The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude to Dr. Rob Marsh for the wonderful care given to Colonel. He has been more than a doctor to our family during this extremely difficult time.

A graveside service to celebrate his life will be conducted at New Providence Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 30 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Lester Kennedy officiating. The family requests everyone in attendance to wear masks and social distance.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Colonel's honor to the Walkers Creek Fire Department, Fairfield First Aid or Brownsburg Ruritan Club.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.