Mary Kandaris

Mary Ruth Pinion Kandaris

January 3, 1940 – August 6, 2022

Mary was born to Cleborn and Mable Pinion on Jan. 3, 1940 in Lafayette County, MS along with her twin sister, Jimmie Sue Franklin. Her brothers, JW and Bobby Don, were there to welcome the new set of sisters into the family. Growing up on a cotton farm Mary was accustomed to hard work. She took that work ethic with her wherever she went. In high school she loved to play basketball and even had the opportunity to play against the girl’s basketball team where Elvis Presley was attending school. Later she joined the army which is where she met her husband, Nick Louis Kandaris, Sr. They were married Dec. 11th of 1959 and had 3 children, Debra Jean, Marlin Louis, and Eli Scott. After retiring, Mary got to have her dream of owning a small ranch which ended up being in Devine, Texas. The next phase of their life took them to Bandera, TX and then on to Rockport, TX which is where Mary lived out the reminder of her days fishing whenever possible and spending time with friends until she wasn’t able to do so anymore.

Mary passed away Saturday afternoon, Aug. 6, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. in Rockport, TX at the age of 82.  She is pre-deceased by her parents, brothers, sister, and husband.  Surviving her is her daughter, Debra Walston and husband, Scott, and their 7 adult children, Brian, Ian, Christopher, Naomi Diehl, Garrett, Gavin, and Reuben. Her son, Marlin and his son, and her youngest son, Eli and his partner, Carla Williams, and their 3 adult children, James Williams, Ashley Mason, and Lauren Turrentine. Altogether Mary leaves behind 11 Grandchildren, 24 Great-Grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.   We must not forget to include, Shirley Wiltshire, a close friend, who became like a second daughter to her and who took care of her to the end.

A Memorial Service is to be held at Marshall Charles Funeral Home located at 2003 W. Wheeler Ave, Aransas Pass, TX  78336 on Tuesday, Aug. 16th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX where her ashes will be laid to rest alongside her husband Nick’s ashes on ___________________ at __________.