SGT Allie Marvin Dandridge, Sr., (U.S. Marines, Retired) age 81, affectionately known as Al, Allie, Marvin, and Peter, was born on October 7, 1940, in Goochland, Virginia, to the loving union of the late Gordon K. and Flora L. Dandridge. After a short illness, intensified by the deaths of his wife and sister in 2021, he departed his earthly life for eternal rest in peace with the Lord on the morning of Friday, December 24, 2021, in Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News. He was formerly married to Shirley Dandridge and from this union they had one son Allie Jr. He was married for 14 years to the love of his life, the late Joyce Faye Dandridge.

He attended the Goochland, Williamsburg-James City and York County Public School Systems. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he proudly served his country for 21 years and retired with an honorable discharge. His military tours included Parris Island, South Carolina; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Okinawa, Japan; Quantico, Virginia; and three tours to Vietnam. During his esteemed enlistment, he received many accolades (medals, awards, honors). Settling in North Carolina after his retirement, he graduated from the Coastal Carolina Community College, earning an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, and worked for a Law Firm as a Paralegal. A resilient and fearless leader, he spent several years traveling to different cities and states catering for union/nonunion picket line strikers. Reconnecting with his high school love (Joyce Faye) in 2007, they married, and he happily relocated to Poquoson. The adventurous couple traveled regularly until her health began to decline. Allie rededicated his life to Christ and was a member of the Men's Choir at Cary's Baptist Church. He was very family-oriented and hosted the annual Labor Day cookouts for several years.

Allie was a jovial and fun person who always had a big smile and infectious laugh. He loved to be the life of the party, telling many stories that were funny and captivating. He was on a bowling league and played in tournaments with his son Allie Jr. The father/son duo also traveled throughout the East Coast to play in golf tournaments together. He loved to go fishing on his boat with his brother Gordon Jr., nephew Kirk Sr. and friend Ollie. A well-rounded man, his ability to easily connect with people made everyone around him feel like family.

He was preceded in death by his parents (Gordon K. and Flora L. Dandridge); wife (Joyce Faye Dandridge);brother (Russell Mormon); and sister (Flora Gregory). Precious cherished memories will remain in the hearts of his sons, Allie M. Dandridge, Jr. (Marianne--his favorite daughter-in-love) of Hampton; Greg Dandridge, and Lance Dandridge; Stepson Tony Gains; stepdaughter Dr. Monica Kobayshi (Mark); grandson Antonio Gaines; brother Gordon Dandridge, Jr. (Corether) of Hampton; devoted sister/caregiver Jacqueline Rowe (William, Sr.) of Williamsburg; sister-in-law Connie Mormon of Goochland; devoted nieces (who were like daughters), Yvonne Ashby Coates and Shelley Rowe; special cousin John Morman, Jr.; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

A visitation/wake will be held from 6 to 7 PM Friday, January 7, 2022 at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Cary's Baptist Church with Pastor Ray Miller officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.