Corpusfishing.com

Tyler · Site Admin Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 12865

Billy Sandifer, legendary fishing guide and friend and mentor to many lost his battle with cancer this morning March 30th, 2018. His wife Joy and family ask for their privacy at this time. We will definitely be sending off this man in style in many ways. We are so happy that we knocked this year's 23rd Annual Billy Sandifer Big Shell Beach Cleanup out of the park for him with the record number of 1175 volunteers picking up 85 tons of trash, with 17 tons of that being recyclable material. He was really proud of that.

I spoke with Billy last week and told him about various efforts being planned to honor him at the park including either naming the Big Shell Beach "Billy Sandifer Beach" or maybe a bronze statue at the Visitor's Center. He said "It's about the Deed not the Dude, Tyler". Well I said "this is more for the friends you leave behind and Dude, your deeds have been many".

Rest in Peace my friend. Billy Sandifer 6/11/1947 - 3/30/2018.

"Life's A Hoot. Get You Some of It. Be Careful, Be Courteous, Be Kind", Capt. Billy L. Sandifer"

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PanamaYak · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 9:03 am Post subject: Adios, Amigo

Fair winds and following seas Billy.
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HooYah!
PanamaYak

BayFly · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 9:38 am Post subject:

R.I.P. Billy. I have never met my fellow Marine, but have always admired his independence and commitment to nature, especially to the beach creatures. We will surely miss him, but his contributions to nature will always be appreciated by those who frequent the Big Shell Beach area. Semper Fi

maxthelab · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 9:53 am Post subject:

RIP Billy, you were and will be a hero to many. I remember reading his story after returning from Vietnam, don't recall if it was here or caller-times but it was a very inspiring story. I loved the part where he would stay down island and people would bring ice to him whenever they would pass by. Hope his legacy with the beach cleanup continues for many, many years to come.

ironmanstan · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 10:45 am Post subject:

A ledgend lost thats for sure. Prayers for the family.
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I LIKE MINE FRIED.

Donnie · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 10:51 am Post subject:

I waved at him - coming into the lunch area on cleanup day, this last feb 24th, he grinned and waved back. It looked like he was pleased at all the vehicles , all the people.

I used to wave at him driving his tetanus-mobile down the island years ago, he stopped once and I asked him some question, dont remember now, but he took off down the island and someone told me, "be sure you had your tetanus shot before you get in his suburban, dont lean against it either". lol.
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Don - permanent prescription of salt water therapy.

cuzn dave · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 465

Que vaya con Dios, Brother Billy..
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"If we don't leave any, there won't be any."
Capt. Billy
"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon

ziacatcher · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 11:57 am Post subject:

He will be missed but not forgotten. I enjoyed the few experiences I had listening to his stories.

jeff89 · Horse Mullet Joined: 27 Apr 2010 Posts: 183

Me and some buds were lucky enough to ride with him one day while he was still guiding. True legend. RIP.

Towboat Trash · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 12:07 pm Post subject:

Just terrible...so much so....thought we had just a little more time, just a bit more....just a tiny bit more...

Thank you Billy for all the books and talks and lessons and answered questions. The fact that the suffering is over is about all that is good right now. Gonna miss you. Not ready for you to be gone. Not at all...
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www.padreislandexpeditions.com

Sinker · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:01 pm Post subject:

Condolences to his family and many friends.

deputydawg · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:15 pm Post subject:

What a shame but im glad his pain will be over! Wish i could have had a trip with him! Ill pray for the family he left behind.

critter getter · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:46 pm Post subject:

WOW i had no idea this is a sad day for sure still way to young!!!!! He was a good man and will be missed by thousand!!!!!!!!!

kweber · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2018 1:56 pm Post subject:

never met Sandifer, but Hip and Allen were shark legends now gone, too...
they all pioneered beach fishing and lucky we have their stories...
RIP
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the creepy uncle that scares the kids....

AnmRanch · Flour Bluffian in training Joined: 26 Jul 2013 Posts: 353

So sad to hear of this.
Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.