Born on April 14, 1932, he was the son of the late Thurman and Elzora Sanders and grew up in Royston, GA. Melvin was known by co-workers as Mel and by family as Gene. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Sanders; and by his sister, Virginia Moon.
Gene is survived by his son, Keith Sanders (Susan).
Gene served in the Navy during the Korean War. In the early 1960s, he worked at Westinghouse, in Athens, and contributed significant ideas for improvements. In 1968, Gene became a supervisor at Reliance Electric, specializing in metal fabrication. He later translated those skills into woodworking, building custom furniture part time with his son.
Near the end of his life, Gene had three wonderful caregivers, Gwen Powers, Carolyn Smith, and Lonnie Nesbitt.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 25 at 2 p.m. at Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel in Athens. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com