Andy Artis went home to the Lord August 5, 2010, following an extraordinary and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 51 and accomplished many things of great value. He was Senior Assignment Editor at WSB Channel 2 Action News, where he had worked for almost 25 years. He started as a photographer and became one of the most important members of the Channel 2 team. His quest for news took him all over the world. His colleagues called him the absolute best at what he did. Andy cared deeply about his team and worked tirelessly to promote the highest ideals of journalism for Channel 2, a place he loved and served with deep gratitude. Andy was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer with metastasis to the liver in January, 2002. He was told he had less than a year to live, but refused to accept that. He said no one but God could assign him an expiration date. He said the cancer experience "deepened my faith, and I truly believe the purpose of my life is to encourage and help other cancer survivors." He said he prayed a lot, went to church and read his Bible. And he found a doctor who was willing to fight with him to extend his time with those he loved. "I learned I am a real fighter," he wrote recently. "I have come to believe so strongly in the healing power of love." He learned that you do not always get to choose what happens to you in life, but you do get to choose how you will deal with it. Many applauded his accomplishments and found great hope in his story. At times his journey with cancer was arduous and unrelenting. Yet that did not stop him from teaching all who were privileged to cross his path the resilience of the human spirit. There was no news so devastating that he could not rise above it, no challenge so difficult that he could not overcome it, no pain too piercing to distract him from his love of life and the wonderful people who shared his journey. Andy is survived by a family who loved him and supported him throughout his life. He was the loving husband of Thu Van Thi Ao, proud father of Kevin Knighton and Ashley Artis, adoring son of Lillian Artis, and he treasured his sisters, brothers and sisters-in-law: Doris Vawters, Mattie Lipkins, Robert and Gwen Artis, Jeffery and Monica Artis, and James Artis. He leaves a number of nieces and nephews of whom he was very proud. He is also survived by his family at Channel 2 Action News. In lieu of flowers Andy asked that anyone wishing to make a contribution in his memory should direct it to the Cancer Survivors Fund at DeKalb Medical, 2701 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, Georgia, 30033. Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 8, at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons. Rev. Dr. Betty C. Castellani will officiate. Visitation will take place one hour before and after the service. Interment will be in York, Alabama.
