Byron John Bandy

Byron J. Bandy, son of the late June Gaskins Bandy (Davis) and John Bandy (Legendary DJ Lord Fauntleroy) was born on December 7, 1962 in Philadelphia, PA.  He was the only child born from this union.  He transitioned from this life on Sunday morning, June 14, 2020 in Winchester, VA. Byron was a resident of Winchester, VA for the last 20 years of his life. He previously resided in Philadelphia, PA and in Baltimore, MD.  He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, MD and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD.

As an only child, Byron cherished his friends and family.  His cousins were like his sisters and brothers. He leaves to cherish his memory, his aunt Joyce Gaskins Jordan (Herman) of Teaneck, NJ, uncle, Dr. Andrew T. W. Gaskins of Silver Spring, MD, his "big brother"/cousin, Kirk N. Gaskins, III (Rosemary) and a host of other loving cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by, Uncles, Kirk N. Gaskins, Jr. and Beverley P. Gaskins.

He loved science and technology and science fiction movies. He also music,

especially old school R & B.

Byron had specific likes and dislikes but always stated his opinions very gently to keep from hurting a person's feelings. He had a great sense of humor and a gentle spirit.

At the end of visits with family, if his family ever forgot to pray with him, he would remind them that they forgot to pray. When asked what he knew about God, he'd say, "Jesus is the son of God"' and he would emphatically state that, "yes, I am a believer." He'd talk about certain songs he knew from church and what he learned from being in church and from specific sermons.

He loved certain colors. Purple was his most favorite color, with no exceptions, including his tennis shoes. This was probably because of his love for the Baltimore Ravens football team. He also liked gray, black and white sneakers, but you could not buy any other colors because he would not wear them. He would simply say, "I think someone else may like those." He had such a gentle spirit and caused us to laugh all the time. Family couldn't help but appreciate that he had to move around things in a certain way. If you greeted him with a kiss on the cheek, you had to kiss him on the other cheek as well, just for balance.

Although his bout with cancer was a tough road over the past four years, having to go in and out of hospitals, repeated medical tests, blood transfusions and Chemotherapy, he explained that for the most part, he was able to manage with the treatments he received. When asked how he was doing, Byron would often say, "I'm doing alright or I'm not too bad." Seldom did he express that he was he in pain.

He loved his mom, June Gaskins and his dad, John Bandy with all of his heart and loved to go down memory lane about them, about the places he lived and about certain experiences that stood out for him. Byron loved his extended family just as much.  He treasured  his beloved "Care Circle", The staff at Evergreen, the Center where he lived for the last three years of his life, the staff at the Valley Health Oncology Center, his beloved doctor, Dr. Houck, and Dr. Houck's most talented and caring assistant, Laurie.  They all provided him with stellar care throughout his struggle with cancer.

He so enjoyed and treasured his friendship with Paula Beard.  She was an answer to prayer for Byron and his family. She became family and helped to make sure the additional support needed was there for him. She truly was a God-send.  We are also especially grateful for Vincent and his visits to Byron, which uplifted his spirits when he was at some very low points in the hospital.

Byron has gone on to join that great army of soldiers that have already left this life to be with our Lord for all eternity. Although we hurt because of our loss, we are at peace that he struggles no more. His family learned a lot about love and care from Byron J. Bandy.

Family will have a walk-through viewing one hour before service on Saturday at the Funeral Home.

A Private Celebration of Life will be 11:00 am Saturday June 20, 2020 at Cartwright Funeral Home in Winchester, VA., with Pastor Gilbert M. Mack, Jr.

Interment will also be private in Orrick Cemetery in Winchester, VA.

We will be observing CDC guidelines.  Everyone must have mask and social distancing will be enforced.

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to

Cartwright Funeral Home

Winchester, VA

cartwrightfuneralhome.com