Richard “Rick” D. Sand

Aug. 3,1953 – June 30, 2021

Posted

Richard “Rick” Dee Sand, of Huntsville, Alabama, took the hand of Jesus, on June 30, 2021, while an inpatient at Noland hospital in Anniston, Alabama.

Rick was born Aug. 3,1953, in Seward. During his youth, he lived in Friend, and attended Friend High School, until graduation. After graduation, he attended the University of Nebraska for two years. He completed his college education later, earning his degree in information technology. In the interim, he joined the United States Army in 1974 and served until retirement in 1993. He served proudly three tours in Germany. In 1974, he was in the HHC 69th group. In 1982, B battery 3rd 71st and in 1987 until 1990 the 10th ADA Brigade. His home station was in Fort Bliss, Texas. He retired, a unicorn, as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW3), 140A Command and Control Technician. During his service, he was awarded multiple medals. Of these, the National Defense Medal, Army Overseas Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal 6th Clasp, the Army Achievement medal and two Meritorious Service Medals. Rick’s time in service touched many and aided in influencing the lives of others, to achieve career advancement. After his Army retirement, Rick worked for Lockheed Martin, again until retirement. There, he worked as a senior systems engineer, specializing as a member of the THAAD Weapons Systems and Integration Team in the states of Texas, Florida and finally, Alabama.

While his military service and work life gained him many lifelong friends, his personal life far outshined his professional one. His caring and loving personality made him loved by those who knew him. He was a light to his fiancé and together they had planned to wed and enjoy retirement on his favorite golf courses and traveling the United States.

He was and is loved by those he has left to this world; his fiancé, DeeAnn Kizziah; his children, Angela Lopez and her husband, Antonio, of El Paso, Texas and Michelle Brown and her husband, Justin, of Myrtle Beach ,South Carolina; his sister, Lisa St. Louis, and her husband, Shawn, of Friend. Rick has five grandchildren, Andy, Augustine and Alex Lopez and Colin and Marissa Brown. He also had a niece and nephew, Jessica and her husband, Michael Bohn, and Tyler St. Louis. Each of whom he loved beyond measure. 

Rick was proceeded in death by his parents; William Dee Sand and Leona Marie (Ouellette) Sand and his brother, James Sand.

Rick’s personal goal was to be a better person. His genuine concern for others surpassed all other achievements, in life. JAMES 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

The family of Rick Sand invite you to join them in mid-August to celebrate his life. Details will be announced when arrangements are finalized. Condolences may be left for the family at www.berryhillfh.com.