Christopher Sands, 45

Christopher “Todd” Sands, 45, of Highland died on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at St. Vincent’s East Hospital in Trussville, Ala.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15 at Meridith Funeral Home in Highland and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16 at First Baptist Church in Highland. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16 at First Baptist Church in Highland, with the Rev. Sean Holloway, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Highland City Cemetery.

He was born on Dec. 8, 1970 in Birmingham, Ala., to Michael and Marlene (Phelps) Sands.

Mr. Sands was a 1989 graduate of Highland High School, where he lettered in football and baseball. He went to Jefferson State College and continued his baseball career.

He adored his niece and nephews, and they adored him. He loved to fish and the outdoors in general. He enjoyed painting and drawing. He ran a children’s workshop at the Home Depot in Trussville, Ala.

He was a huge Alabama Crimson Tide fan. “Roll Tide.”

He is survived by his parents, Marlene (Jim) Huelsmann of Highland and Mike (Wendy) Sands of Ashville, Ala.; his grandmother, Clara Huelsmann; brother and sisters, Craig (Shelly) Sands of Highland, Heather (Matt) Hulvey of Highland, Jennifer (special friend John Geiger) Huelsmann of Highland; and niece and nephews, Brendan Sands, Megan Sands and Connor Sands.

Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.

This story was originally published March 15, 2016 at 9:17 AM with the headline "Christopher Sands, 45."