Bishop John Davis Sandlin

With heartfelt sympathy, we announce the Homegoing of Bishop John D. Sandlin of Ashland, who went from labor to reward on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the age of 81.

The family is now receiving friends at the family home in Ashland.

Flowers are still accepted. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bishop Sandlin's memory can be made the following ways:

Zelle: 256-283-6968

Venmo: @AAMUMom

Cashapp: $baronsandlin

Bishop John D. Sandlin was born on May 24, 1944 to the Late Levis Beatice Sandlin and the late Jay D. Sandlin and Clarence Jackson Sr. in Clay County, Alabama. He was one of 10 siblings. 

He was united in holy matrimony to Minister Judy Mae Smith on July 27, 1967. To this union four children were born. 

Spiritual Walk
He united with the Lord January 24, 1970 under the leadership of Bishop W. T. Traylor. He served as a Deacon, Superintendent, Elder, Overseer and Bishop. He pastored for 2 ½ years at Apostilc Restoration, later named New Covenant Restoration Assembly  in Goodwater, Al. He later moved to Ashland to pastor Apostlic Miracle Temple later named New Life Christian Center for 29 years. He taught Community Bible Class for the community and the Ashland Nursing Home.  He  served as the Overseer of the Greenville,Georgia, and Mobile District of the New Covenant Ministries of the World, Inc. under now Chief Apostle and Mother Ola P. Traylor. He also served as Moderator of the Women’s Convention later named Women’s Conference. He was the current pastor of Midway Christian Life Fellowship where he had served for 15 years up until his heavenly transition. 

Employment:
He started out driving for Mr. L Gilbert processing plant and then he started driving for Walley Clegg and then later moved into management as a live haul manager with Spring Valley. He drove 18 wheeler trucks for 18 years.  He later became a school bus driver for the Clay County Board of Education for 25 years where he retired with memories full of adventures and stories from the children in the Westside Community. He served on the Clay County Zoning Board and President of the Neighborhood Watch. He was one of the coordinators of the Annual National Prayer Day in Clay County. He was honored to pray for the 1208th troops of Desert Storm and received the soldier on their return per the presiding Mayor. He also served as the First Grand Marshall for the Westside Pride Day. He also served the community by driving the Church Bus to the Talladega Skating Rink on Sunday afternoons. He was also a car salesman for Ashland Auto Sales.

He is preceded in death by his nine siblings, three brothers, Billy, JB, and Eugene Sandlin; four sisters, Juilet Aaron, Essie Wycoff, Hattie Sandlin, Lorraine Sandlin, and Barbara Few;  four brother-in-laws, Frank Jackson, Joe Cecil Smith, Clarence Jackson Jr., and JC Jackson; one daughter-in-law, Joy Migon Sandlin and one son-in-law, Kenneth Lee Brooks Sr. 

The Legacy
He peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on May 19, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. 

He leaves to continue his legacy his wife of 59 years Minister Judy Mae Sandlin; two sons, Elder John Eric (Joan) Sandlin, and Minister Dr. Baron Tywond (Lakeeshia ) Sandlin;  two daughters, Erika Yolanda Brooks, Julanda Marie (Timothy) George; 12 grandchildren,  Kendall Wilson, Frederick (Anissa) Sandlin, Marcus (Tanesha) Sandlin, Byron Sandlin, Kenya, Kenneth L. Brooks Jr. "KJ", Emilee, Jevon "Bo" Sandlin, Gavin, Chloe, Jayden "JD", and Timothy George, Jr. (TJ); six great-grandchildren, Kendall, Jr., Kion Wilson, Migon Diane, Marie Joy, Montreal, and Messiah;  one great-granddog, Neko;  one sibling, Adoris Clark; four sister-in-laws, Minister Estella Smith, Minister Willie Mae Smith, Minister Elizabeth Smith, and Betty Sandlin; 23 nieces and nephews and 25 great-nieces and nephews; his best friend, Thomas (Nancy) Jackson, Uncle Butch; spiritual daughter, Evangelist Slyvia (Tim) Smith; oldest godchild, Allison Harris, and a host of other relatives and friends. 
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bishop John Davis Sandlin, please visit our floral store.