Malcolm Andrews, Sr. was known by several different names, Dad, Daddy, Papa, Uncle, Andy, Buddy, Mr. A. and Superman. Sadly, on Sunday, July 23, 2023 passed away in Jacksonville after an extended illness. He was looking so young and handsome and was surrounded by loved ones, his wife of 51 years, Betty Gladden Andrews aka Lois Lane. Also with him was his youngest son, Perry Andrews, aka Daddy boy, of Jacksonville, his favorite daughter, Donita Andrews Freeman and his favorite son-in-law, both from Swainsboro, Georgia, and his nephew Bobby Pittman of Jacksonville.
Malcolm Andrews was born on February 27, 1940 to Jim Jefferson Andrews and Donnie Tyre Andrews (deceased) in Providence, Florida and grew up in Lake Butler, Florida.
He was 1 of 13 siblings, he was number 7 in birth order. His siblings are: Mildred Andrews King (Willie-both deceased), Meme Andrews Morgan (John-both deceased), James Andrews (Bobbie), Frank Andrews (Joan-both deceased), Bobby Andrews (deceased) Betty Zimmerman, Neva Andrews (deceased), Perry Andrews (Emmie-both deceased), Ken Andrews (deceased), RL (deceased) Albert Andrews, Alvin Andrews, RL Moore (deceased).
He left behind an amazing wife, Betty Gladden Andrews, three children, Malcolm (Jeanetta) Andrews, Jr. of Georgia, Donita Andrews Freeman (Andy), of Swainsboro Georgia, Perry Andrews (Sarah) of Jacksonville, 15 grandchildren, Laura Andrews , William (Leeda) Andrews, Emma (Mike) Griggs, Sarah (Alex) Spasov, Hannah Andrews, Matthew Andrews, Felicity Andrews, Rebecca Andrews, James Andrews, Faith Andrews, Stephen Andrews, Brent Freeman (Julie) of Garfield, Georgia, Cory Freeman (Kristen) of Twin City, Georgia , Mary Andrews, Aden Gibbs and 8 great grandchildren, Renae Andrews, Natalya Andrews, Jamilllah Douglas, Lexi Freeman, Chloe Freeman, Rosie Freeman, Julie Freeman and Sam Freeman. He left behind brothers, Albert Andrews, Alvin (Loraine) Andrews, sister Betty Zimmerman, and many, many nephews and nieces and more friends than we can count.
He joined the navy when he was 17 and served 3 years and was honorably discharged and he served in the army as a paratrooper, with the 82nd Airborne for 3 years and was honorably discharged.
God sent him his soul mate, Betty Gladden Andrews, to him in 1971. They knew each other for 3 months and would have celebrated 52 years this September. He would tell people that after he met her, he had been Gladdened ever since they met.
He was a Jack of all trades, military, carpenter, pile driver, car salesman. He was a natural born salesman. He loved the art of wheeling and dealing. He was a business owner, he owned and operated with his brother Perry, Andrews Brothers Car Sales. He owned and operated A’s Cards & Comics, a comic book and memorabilia store on the Westside with his son, Perry.
He will be forever remembered for many things, he could never pass up a good estate sale, yard sale or flea market. He was a jokester. He was always smiling and laughing and making others smile and laugh. He loved singing. He was a fan of many artists, but Creedence Clearwater was his favorite.
He had a kind and compassionate heart. He was always ready to help others. He was just a phone call away. He loved his family and friends big!! He was loyal to his family and friends.
He loved to tell stories, especially the story when he had to try to cover Bob Hayes, at the time The World’s Fastest Man, in a pickup football game. He was the life of the party. He loved life.
Funeral services where we will celebrate his life, will be Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 12:00 noon, at Fraser Funeral Home on Normandy Blvd. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 5:00-8:00 pm.
Visitation, Wednesday, July 26
Family 4-6
Other family and friends 6-8
Funeral Thursday, July 27 at 12:00
In lieu of Flowers please donate to St. Jude children’s hospital.
Isaiah 40:31
but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Rhonda Ezell
July 31, 2023, 2:03 am
Priceless & Irreplaceable .. but not gone long before we are together again …
Looking forward to that day…
Thank you for your great love and care toward us All…. Rhonda, Ricky, Adam & PJ
Madelyn Rizk Rubin
July 31, 2023, 2:04 am
Our beloved Andy, as the Obit noted, he was always available to help and to meet. Even in challenging situations, he figured out ways to help that may work for everyone. As kids on the Andrews farm, Buddy was always willing to take us on horseback rides, being very careful to get us back home safely. In his later teens, I remember him coming back from the army, so proud to be in his uniform and to be a paratrooper. Andy always had a hug for me and for everyone else. He so missed my brother, Larry, who crossed over 3 years ago. So now, he and Larry are back together, partying everyday! And, of course, he’s also back with many of his beloved siblings. And now it’s time for us on earth to miss you, Andy, all of the reunions we shared and all of breakfasts we had together at Famous Amos. Sending you and all of our relatives and friends lots of love to help us get through the missing times.
Susan Morgan
July 31, 2023, 2:04 am
There are too many wonderful memories for me to choose one. I remember how proud he was of his children and it was obvious how much he loved Aunt Betty. Visiting his car sales lot was fun, but my kids loved visiting his shop where he sold, among other things, comic books. He was always so happy – and so young and handsome! He will definitely be missed. Love you, Uncle Andy!
Beverly Murray Morris
July 31, 2023, 2:04 am
I’ve known Betty all my life. She was one of those beautiful Gladden girls who were as sweet as well as gorgeous. I had the honor of playing the organ for their wedding. Praying for this lovely family. ????
Jonette Roberts
July 31, 2023, 2:05 am
My condolences to Betty and family. We will miss Andy, he was a great next door neighbor. He was always so friendly and had a smile on his face.
Perry
July 31, 2023, 2:05 am
Really gonna miss you Daddy. Thanks for what you taught me.
Donita Andrews Freeman
August 5, 2023, 10:02 am
I have many memories with my Dad. He was the first man that loved me and protected me. He showed me how a husband should love his wife. He showed love to everyone. He always loved Christmas. For years he would go shopping by himself and pick out a gift for each us. One year he gave me a cloth wall hanging that I still have and it is now on my grandchildren’s bedroom door at our home. The quote says: Nothing is so strong as gentleness…Nothing is so gentle as real strength. Dad was a gentleman! It is seems so unreal you are gone. Thank you for all you did. You will be forever remembered. Your favorite daughter, “Dawn Dean” a/k/a Donita.
Donita Andrews Freeman
August 6, 2023, 9:05 am
I have many memories wit my Dad. He was the man that loved me and protected me. He showed me how a husband should love his wife. He showed love to everyone. He always loved Christmas. For years he would go shopping by himself and pick out a gift for each of us. One year he gave me a cloth wall art wall hanging that I still have and it is now on my grandchildrens’bedroom door at our home. The quote says: “Nothing is so strong as genteleness…Nothing is so gentle as real strength. Dad was a gentleman! It still seems so unreal you are gone. Thank you for all you did. You will be forever remembered. From you favorite daughter, “Dawn Dean” a/k/a Donita
Betty Andrews
December 17, 2023, 3:06 am
I miss him so much. He truly was a sweetheart.