Charles Travis Sanders

He graduated from Warren High School in 1947 where he played football and was an honor student. After graduation he joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Olathe, Kansas, where he met and married Shirley Huggins, the woman who would become his beloved wife of 73 years.

As a Naval Air Traffic Controller he served in places such as Texas, Alaska, Newfoundland, Kansas, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida, easily making friends wherever he went. He was at his best when using his wit and wisdom to emcee social events.

After retirement in Pensacola, he was an active member of Perdido Bay Methodist Church where he enjoyed attending Sunday School and served with the Grumpy Old Men. He was a founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon. He also participated in ROMEOS ( Retired Old Men Eating Out) and Avant Garde, a retired military officers Mardi Gras Krewe.

He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley Huggins Sanders, his parents Rufus and Katherine Sanders, sister Martha Sue Morgan, brother James Sanders, and son-in-law Dale Fortlage.

He is survived by daughters Kathi Ayers-Fortlage and Kristi (Don) Suarez; grandsons, Travis Suarez, and Lexi Fortlage; sister Jean Dees and brother Richard (Geri) Sanders.

The family thanks Perdido Bay Methodist Church and the many friends for the care and compassion they showed our dad.

A visitation for Sandy will be held Friday, December 27, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Perdido Bay Methodist Church, 13660 Innerarity Point Rd, Pensacola, FL 32507, with funeral service to follow from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. An interment will follow from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Rd, Pensacola, FL 32508.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Perdido Bay Methodist Church13660 Innerarity Point Rd. Pensacola, FL 32507, or Big Lagoon Kiwanis Foundation Reading Builds Leaders, 10447 Sorrento Rd., Suite 100, PMB#19, Pensacola, FL 32507.