John Oxford Gandy was born October 14, 1868 in Conecuh County, Alabama. He died at the age of 108 (age verifiable) on Thursday, January 27, 1977 of a massive heart attack. Gandy is known as the patriarch of Gandyville, a small community which is between Century and Byrneville. In 1973 the Florida Legislature named this town in his honor: Gandyville, which included a two-mile stretch of road that bordered his home on Hwy 4-A, now also known as Gandyville Road. Gandy lived at his home since January of 1925. "I've only spent the night away from home twice since I've lived here," claimed Gandy on an audio tape that was recorded four days before his death. "I love my home, and it loves me" (audio tape donated by grandson William H. Gandy, Sr. --Jan. 1977). Gandy attributed his longevity to "obeying the Bible and minding his own business" (audio tape--Jan. 1977). On his 108th birthday, the South Flomaton Town Council passed a resolution designating October 14th as 'John Gandy Day' and he received congratulations from Florida Gov. Reubin Askew, U.S. Rep. Bob Sikes, Congressman Jack Edwards, and President Gerald Ford (Tri-City Ledger).

Gandy lived in Conecuh County till the age of 17, when his family moved to Butler County, and at the age of 29 he met and married Victoria Black. "Mrs. Gandy's full name was Mary Ann Elizabeth Queen Victoria Wade Black Gandy, but her husband called her 'Bumpsy.' Mrs. Gandy died in 1953. They were married for 55 years" (Tri-City Ledger).

Gandy or "Bopa," as he was kindly referred to by his family was a man who liked to do everything for himself. Although he had to use a walker to get around, he was apt to get very impatient when someone tried to help him down the steps. His great-grandchildren still have fond memories of how "Bopa" would gather up pecans for them to come by and eat after school. He did this up until a few days before his death.

In his bedroom he kept a trunk filled with his father's possessions. One of these such possessions was his shaving cup. The trunk was used to store his father's personal belongings when he went away to fight in the Civil War. John Oxford's parents' names were Sarah Samanath Wates and Oxford Gandy.

Gandy and his wife had six children. At the time of his death, Gandy had 13 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Of his six children, one is still living: Elmira Gandy Crapps, born Jan. 25 1907. The celebration of John Oxford Gandy's longevity may be found in author Alva Burt's hardback book called Florida ,A Place in the Sun.