Eugene "Gene" Walter Sanders

Eugene “Gene” Walter Sanders, 88, entered eternal rest on Saturday, February 19th, 2022, at home in Tampa surrounded by his family. Gene is survived by his wife Geana and daughters Elizabeth Lane and Kristi Hesse (Harvey) and three grandchildren; Austin Lane, William Hesse and Emerson Hesse; brother Dennis Sanders and brother-in-law Hugh Prince and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Bertha Sanders, brothers William and Boyce Sanders, and sisters LoDema Johns (Carnie) Martha Prince, sister-in-law Brenda Sanders, nephews Louis Prince, David Sanders, Melvin Johns, and niece Karen Tapia. Gene was born in Tampa on December 13th, 1933, and attended Hillsborough High School, the University of Florida, served in the US Air Force, and graduated from the University of Tampa with a B.S. degree in math and physics. In high school he worked for a produce company and was an armored car driver. He was an accomplished water skier and enjoyed fishing as well as tinkering with many different projects. He remained lifelong friends with his childhood buddies Joe Valenti, Sonny Fernandez, Juli Grimaldi, Pete Cortez and Dan Nolan and his quick wit and sense of humor kept them entertained, and he earned the nickname “Cracker’ along the way. He met his wife in 1959 and was a loving and devoted husband to Geana for 59 years. Gene was a huge Florida Gator football fan. He was a man of God with a very strong faith. He was the best father Beth and Kristi could ask for, always providing his wisdom, guidance and unconditional love and support.

He retired from Honeywell after 41 years where he worked as an aerospace engineer working on the controller of the main engine of the space shuttle and went to Italy to help initiate the space system there as well. He then worked as a guidance counselor for the Phoenix House of Tampa and became the Re-Entry Director where he worked for 8 more years counseling people and helping and mentoring them with their recovery from addictions. Upon retirement he took up running and was an avid golfer and was a wonderful and involved “Nano” to his three grandchildren who he adored and bragged about constantly to everyone. He was a selfless and loving friend to many and always willing to go the extra mile for his family and many friends and help anyone who asked. He loved fiercely and unconditionally and to know him was to love him. Special thanks to his lifelong best friend Joe Valenti, and the family would like to thank Life Path Hospice and Sharon Toro, as well as Dr. Sai Sandanandan and Dr. Joe Whitaker for their medical care.

Funeral service is March 4th, 2022, with visitation at 5 p.m. and service to follow at 6 p.m. at Blount & Curry, 605 S. MacDill Ave.Tampa, Florida 33629; officiated by Jeff Darrey. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alcoholics Anonymous, 8019 North Himes Ave, #104, Tampa, FL 33614. Please mark your donations in memory of Gene Sanders.