Lester Sandlin

Lester Sutton Sandlin, 74, of Durham died at his home on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. He was born on November 01, 1941 in Onslow Co, NC to R. Hugh Sandlin and Amy Alice Evans Sandlin. Mr. Sandlin served his country in the U S Army from 1961 to 1963. He is a 1965 graduate of Eckels College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a member of the British Institute of Embalmers and was curator at UNC Hospital, Chapel Hill in the Body Donation Department. In 1979, he founded Professional Mortuary Services in Durham which still serves the community with his son William Lum-Sandlin as the Funeral Director and Embalmer. During his career Mr. Sandlin designed the original knock down wood based air tray which is widely used today in the funeral industry for the transportation of human remains. Mr. Sandlin was a longtime member of Professional Car Society collecting and restoring antique cars. He is survived by his wife: Martha Epps Sandlin of the home, sons: Preston P. Sandlin of Charlotte, William Lum-Sandlin of the home, Nick Campbell, Jr. of Nashville, TN; Dennis A. Lum, II of Durham, and Jesse J. Copley of the home; brothers: Sidney Sandlin and Edward Sandlin both of Beulaville, NC; sisters: Margaret Thomas of Jacksonville, NC, Lula Hunter and Clara Kellum both of Beulaville, NC. He is also survived by 6 of his cherished grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Raymond Sandlin of Hickory in 1985. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 3:30 pm Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Wake Memorial Park, 7002 Green Hope School Rd, Cary, NC 27519. The Reverend James Lawson will officiate.