Mike Gandy

The following obituary is being posted as a courtesy to the Gandy family. On behalf of the MRC family our love and prayers are with the Gandy family.  For online floral orders or directions, please visit www.whitakerfuneralhome.com

Mike Gandy, 68, of Chapin, South Carolina, died on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

He was a talented microbiologist, musician, chef, diehard Clemson Tigers fan, and devoted father to Kathleen Hope “Katie” Gandy. He is deeply loved and missed by his daughter Katie, his ex-wife and friend Laura, many close friends, and his dachshund Missy, who he acquired during his service as a resilient caregiver to his aunt, Gladys Caudle. He is also survived by his sister Angela, her husband Billy, his nephew Taylor Harpe, his wife Hannah Harp and their newly born son, Tanner Harp.

Mike was born on March 20, 1955, to Wilma Chavis Gandy and Hill Gandy of Chesterfield, South Carolina. He went on to receive a Bachelor's degree in microbiology from Clemson University and a Master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina. During his working years, he served as a health physicist at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control until his retirement in 2010. He then continued working by selling workout equipment and gym installations as a Contract Administrator for Total Strength and Speed, and provided backflow services to neighboring clients under the company title, KLM Home Solutions.

Nobody was a stranger to Mike. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends, cooking for them and hanging out in his Man Cave in the garage where his other beloved dachshunds Sunny and Lucy would also join whatever party was happening that day, or more frequently, that night. The garage was always open. He could often be seen recording memories with his array of handheld video cameras and cell phone. He learned anything he could and enjoyed watching documentaries, educational videos, and music performances of his favorite artists. He also visited the grocery store and Walmart nearly every day for project material, but mostly cooking supplies, as well as, and most importantly, any given socialization purpose.

He shared his passion for music, nature, and people with his daughter Katie. He taught her how to play the guitar in their home in Chapin after playing with his many buddies in the hallways and stairwells of Clemson University. Early on in Katie’s life, he also sat with her on the piano at his mother and father’s house in Chesterfield to teach her songs like Chopsticks and Fur Elise. Over the years, he accumulated a beautiful collection of guitars and gear. You could see them well with the light that shines through the windows where he watched the wildlife of Lake Murray. Mike frequently came out to Katie’s gigs and supported her in any way possible. He gifted her first PA system, along with many other forms of equipment, and often attended and documented her shows as well. Mike will always be Katie’s person. His legacy lives on in her career as a musician, music educator, and gearhead, all things that he held such a passion for, and within the lives of his beloved family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on July 15, 2023 at Whitaker Funeral Home, 939 Chapin Road, Chapin, SC 29036. A time will be posted once it is available. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family here on his tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the Gandy family.