Charles Edward Sands' Obituary
Charles was born on March 31, 1937 and was a lifelong resident of Kathleen. He was one of four children born to George and Lela Sands and preceded in death by Raymond Sands, Elsie Sands, and Elizabeth “Betty” Rowland. He graduated from Kathleen High School as class valedictorian in 1955. He earned his BA in Theater from USF in 1972. He also studied dance, both domestically and abroad, in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, and Zurich. He traveled extensively and taught Master Classes throughout Europe. Charles taught locally at Betsy Kay’s School of Dance and owned the North Lakeland School of Dance and Dance Alley in Winter Haven. Charles love of dancing was matched only by his passion for growing orchids and developing new hybrids documented and registered with the American Orchid Society, including a unique orchid for his personal friend actress Vivien Leigh. His manuscript, The Ironhead, has yet to be published.
Survivors include 5 nephews: Lance Rowland of Tampa, Fl; Lex Rowland of Los Angeles, CA; Scott Sands of Lakeland, FL; George Sands of Lakeland, FL; and Lee Sands of Ocala, FL. He also has a great nephew, Elliott Sands of Ocala, FL and a Great Niece, Sierra Sands of Lakeland, FL.
A visitation will be held from 10:00am - 11:00am on Friday, January 18, 2019 at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, FL. Funeral services to follow at 11:00 in the funeral home chapel. Burial to follow service at Oak Hill Burial Park.
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