TD2 US Navy
Persian Gulf
Family and his many friends will remember the generous heart and amazing intellect of Ila Thomas Gandy who left us on December 22nd, 2023 at the age of 87.
Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana Ila joined the Navy along with his good friend and retired from his service 35 years later. During his time in the Navy, Ila visited places far and wide and built experiences which he turned into many of the great stories for which he is known. While serving as a reservist he went to work for IBM retiring after 31 years in 1993. To celebrate his retirement Ila left behind his belongings, bought a post office box in Hutto, a Harley Davidson motorcycle and traveled the country.
Ila had a keen sense of all things mechanical, electrical and electronic. He was equally comfortable designing an electrical circuit, rebuilding a transmission or building a piece of furniture. If you needed help with any sort of task or repair Ila would be there and know just how to make it right. His skills were especially valued when, after retiring he found the perfect volunteer opportunity assisting with the design and build of exhibits for the Austin Children's Museum where he met his dear friend.
Ila's love for motorcycles led to love of a different type when he met fellow motorcyclist and later-to-be wife and "Picked her up at the rest stop in Round Rock" as he told those who asked.
In 2000 Ila and his wife bought 5 acres in Summer Mountain Ranch outside of San Marcos and in 2002 Ila finished building their home. He did everything from the foundation up, except the drywall that "Is a younger man's job". Ila enjoyed his time walking around the neighborhood and getting together with his SMR neighbors. In 2004 Ila and his wife traveled to Yellowstone National Park for the first of twelve summers they spent there working, hiking and making friends with young people from all over the world.
One of Ila's passions was gardening and he found the perfect group of people in the Hays County Master Gardeners. Ila so enjoyed working with them and caring for their beautiful greenhouse at Jacob's Well.
Ila is survived by his wife, son, granddaughters, sisters step daughter, other relatives and many friends.
A party will be held to celebrate Ila's life in the spring when his beloved garden comes to life once again.
Rest in peace, sir.
TD2 US Navy
Persian Gulf
Family and his many friends will remember the generous heart and amazing intellect of Ila Thomas Gandy who left us on December 22nd, 2023 at the age of 87.
Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana Ila joined the Navy along with his good friend and retired from his service 35 years later. During his time in the Navy, Ila visited places far and wide and built experiences which he turned into many of the great stories for which he is known. While serving as a reservist he went to work for IBM retiring after 31 years in 1993. To celebrate his retirement Ila left behind his belongings, bought a post office box in Hutto, a Harley Davidson motorcycle and traveled the country.
Ila had a keen sense of all things mechanical, electrical and electronic. He was equally comfortable designing an electrical circuit, rebuilding a transmission or building a piece of furniture. If you needed help with any sort of task or repair Ila would be there and know just how to make it right. His skills were especially valued when, after retiring he found the perfect volunteer opportunity assisting with the design and build of exhibits for the Austin Children's Museum where he met his dear friend.
Ila's love for motorcycles led to love of a different type when he met fellow motorcyclist and later-to-be wife and "Picked her up at the rest stop in Round Rock" as he told those who asked.
In 2000 Ila and his wife bought 5 acres in Summer Mountain Ranch outside of San Marcos and in 2002 Ila finished building their home. He did everything from the foundation up, except the drywall that "Is a younger man's job". Ila enjoyed his time walking around the neighborhood and getting together with his SMR neighbors. In 2004 Ila and his wife traveled to Yellowstone National Park for the first of twelve summers they spent there working, hiking and making friends with young people from all over the world.
One of Ila's passions was gardening and he found the perfect group of people in the Hays County Master Gardeners. Ila so enjoyed working with them and caring for their beautiful greenhouse at Jacob's Well.
Ila is survived by his wife, son, granddaughters, sisters step daughter, other relatives and many friends.
A party will be held to celebrate Ila's life in the spring when his beloved garden comes to life once again.
Rest in peace, sir.
Family Members
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