William Mitchell Sandles, Jr. was born on March 13, 1931 in the Greenbriar Community of Madison County, Texas to Reverand William and Alma Mitchell Sandles. He was delivered by his maternal grandmother, a mid-wife, in the community. He gave his life to Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Mitchell Chapel Baptist Church. The legacy of being a preacher's child inspired him to love and servce the Lord his entire life. Eventually William would join Shiloh Baptist Church with his family once they relocated from the farm to Madisonville, Texas. After the passing of his father, William worked along with his brothers to maintain his family while still attending school in the Madisonville Public School System. William was also on the selevtion committee that named the local Black high school Marian Anderson, a well-known opera singer and civil rights pioneer.

THe Lord protected him as he served in the 25th Infantry in the Korean War as a tank driver. William was a proud veteran and loved talking to other military service officers regarding their time in service. After serving combat in the military, he attened Texas Southern University studying business.

When it was time to choose a mate, again the Lord was on his side. Before being drafted he fell in love with Eler Duncan, uniting in matrimoney after service on June 15, 1957. After several years of praying, the Lord blessed William and Eler with two children; Regina Yvette and William Le Terance. The union lasted 67 years until Eler passed May 6, 2026.

William worked for U.S. Alloys Steel as a shipping coordinator. Later he joined U.S. Alloys bringing his expertise of the steel industry to a new company. William was well loved by his peers.

"Junior", his family nickname, loved baseball. He would share anecdotes of attending baseball games of the old minor league Houston Buffs and the professional Colt 45 baseball team who later became the Astros.

The spiritual  journey for William continued as hen would united with Oliver Chapel Baptist Church (1957-1989) where he was on the Deacon board; Brentwood Baptist Church (1989-2005) and ultimatley the Fort Bend Church (2005-2026) attended faithfully until his health failed in 2021.

William is survived by his children, Regina Williams (Richard); William L. Sandles; grandson, Austin Williams; sister, Gwendolyn Byrd; sisters-in-law Jessie Sandles; Rosie Quiller; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.