Dale Eugene Sands' Obituary
Dale Eugene Sands, 62, of Cave Springs, AR passed away March 27, 2026, at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, surrounded by his family, after courageously battling cancer.
Dale was born February 14, 1964, in Upland, CA to William Howard and Ruby Marlene (Phillips) Sands. The family returned to their roots in Cave Springs in 1969.
Dale is survived by his loving wife of 13 years, Danna McNelly Sands; his children, Derek Sands (Monique Navarre) of Bentonville, AR; Shontelle Sands Hicks of Bella Vista, AR; and Colby Sands of Albuquerque, NM; and his stepsons, Ryan West and Adam West of Bentonville, AR. He is also survived by seven cherished grandchildren, Peyton, Macy, Taylor, Beckham, Suttyn, Noah, and Ruby; his mother Marlene Sands of Cave Springs, AR; brother Rick Sands of Ponca City, OK; sister Lena Sands Lewis (Danny) of Bentonville, AR and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Dale is preceded in death by his father, Howard Sands; his brother Wayne Sands; his grandparents Fred and Lucille (Simpson) Phillips; his grandmother Ruth Sands Rakes and his grandfather Frank M. Sands.
Raised with strong values and a tireless work ethic, Dale spent his early years working on the family farm. He attended Bentonville High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1982. In his youth, he participated in baseball, football and track.
Dale owned and operated Howard’s Daylight Donuts for two years, while also volunteering as an EMT with the Bentonville Fire Department.
He found his true passion in the construction industry and became an extremely gifted general contractor. As president and co-owner of Sands Construction, he brought countless homes to life across the NWA region. Each beautiful home stood as a reflection of his craftmanship, integrity and remarkable attention to detail.
Known as a true “jack of all trades” and by all accounts, a master of them all. He had an innate ability to create, fix or improve anything he set his mind to. Outside of work, he found peace on the water as a devoted fisherman. He also enjoyed golfing, gardening and food preservation. He took great pride in his mastery of the grill, especially his “Green Egg.” He found true joy in creating new recipes and sharing delicious meals with his family. A loyal Razorback fan, he rarely missed a chance to cheer on his team.
After years of hard work, he and his beloved wife Danna, retired and spent several cherished years traveling across the United States in their motor home, creating lasting memories and enjoying the freedom of the open road together.
Dale was a devoted father who led by example, teaching the value of hard work and perseverance. He showed up in the everyday moments that mattered the most, offering a listening ear, helping hand and sound advice. As a proud Papa, he found immense joy in his grandchildren, sharing with them his knowledge, humor and love; creating memories they will cherish forever.
Dale’s legacy lives on in his family, his friends, his faith in Jesus Christ, and the many lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Services will be held on April 9, 2026, at Keypoint Church, 3700 Medical Center Pkwy, Bentonville, AR 72712
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Phillips Cemetery c/o Marlene Sands, 478 Shores Avenue, Cave Springs, AR 72718
Services under the direction of Nelson-Berna of Rogers.
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