After 50 years at Brookshire’s Grocery Store in Mineola, Carroll Wayne “Curly” Sandifer has retired. He started working in grocery stores while in high school. From bagging and carrying out groceries to perishables and grocery management, Sandifer has worked in almost every aspect of the grocery business.

Sandifer has lived in Wood County his entire life and is a central figure in Brookshire’s. He and Julia, his wife of almost 55 years, raised three children in the area and are enjoying watching three grandchildren grow up.

In October, Sandifer had an accident that has forced him into retirement. He lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree. The internal injuries were extensive. If it weren’t for the accident, he’d still be working, says Julia.

Tony Hamby met Sandifer while shopping at Brookshire’s and has worked with him only a short time, but says the impact he’s made on the community through the years is obvious.

“The amount of people asking about him daily, missing him, is a true testament to his character,” said Hamby.

“He’s a great guy, a cut up, and everyone loves him,” said Johnnie Davis as she relayed a story of Sandifer becoming a designated babysitter for a shopper. According to Davis, a lady had a little baby that hated going to the store. Every time the lady came in, the baby would scream and cry. Sandifer would only have to speak to the baby for her to calm down. When they would come in, Sandifer would push the cart and visit with the baby so that the shopper could get her groceries. 

In the years at Brookshire’s, Sandifer has touched many lives. At his retirement celebration, teary-eyed co-workers, friends and family surrounded him and wished him well.

John Whitney worked with him 35 years ago and has recently come back to Mineola Brookshire’s where he’s had the opportunity to work with him again.

“He’s a legend for sure. He has inspired me with his dedication to his job and family. Working with him makes you a little better,” said Whitney.

Manager Robert Marta has worked with him for a year and says Sandifer is a great guy with a great work ethic and will be greatly missed.

Sandifer says he is planning to do as little as possible during retirement.

“I’m going to hang out with my wife and fight,” he said jokingly. 

“He can not get serious,” laughed Julia but says she may just drop him off at Brookshire’s in the afternoons to get a break.