Ray D. Sanders, 88, of Charlotte, NC passed away on August 16, 2016 at Carolina’s Medical Center in Pineville, NC. Ray was born July 16, 1928, in Sugar Grove, PA to Hobart M. Sanders and Mabel Brown Sanders. He was the third of five children.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert T. Sanders, Richard J. Sanders, and his son, Jeffrey R. Sanders. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Thelma Rigby Sanders, in April of 2008. They shared four beautiful children.
He is survived by his wife Edna Myrline Byrd McGill-Sanders. Of his siblings he is survived by a sister, Joan Sanders Coffaro and a brother, John Sanders.
Ray and his late wife Thelma were the parents of four children, Stephen (Mayumi) of Chester, VA, Jeffrey (Marlene) of Jamestown, NY, Jodi (Robert) Schmitt, of Jamestown, NY, and Mari (James) Powell of Matthews, NC. Ray was blessed with five grandchildren who were his pride and joy. The time he spent with them was filled with immeasurable joy. The grandchildren are Brent Strong of TN, Kayce Strong-Stoffa of PA, Annaleigh Powell of NC, Stephenie Sanders of NC and Jeffrey Sanders of Alabama. In addition, as a blended family with his loving wife Myrline, they shared 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren and another due in September. Family was always a grounding force for Ray and Myrline as they appreciated what each child brought to their lives.
In 1944 he graduated as valedictorian of Sugar Grove High School. In his youth he developed a keen interest in agriculture and went on to Penn State University where he pursued that dream. Ray was loyal to his country and showed his patriotism by enlisting in the Navy. He served in the US Navy from 1946-48 as a Petty Officer where he was stationed in Norfolk, Va. and was deployed to China.
Ray was also an avid sports fan. He followed NASCAR. His favorite football teams were the Browns, Bills and Panthers, while his favorite baseball team was the Pittsburgh Pirates. If it was dinner time and the NY Yankees were playing, he would turn the TV off.
Over the years, his dogs were a big part of his life and he attributed his health and wellness to his furry friends.
The large Sanders' family farm of Sugar Grove raised cows, chickens, and turkeys. The farm had a self-service honor system where customers could pick up fresh eggs. During the 1960’s, the chicken farm supplied many of the area grocery stores with fresh eggs. When he moved south, he was employed by Cuddy Farms in Wadesboro, NC from 1977-91 when he retired.
Ray played the trumpet and bugle and marched with the Busti, NY Bugle Corps. He also played Taps at many funerals.
In 1977 Ray decided to move south. He left Sugar Grove and moved to North Carolina. As he made his home in the area he established himself in the community. That same year he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His faith became a big part of his life and led him to Myrline. They were wed on May 21, 1993. As a couple they served a two-year mission in the Mission Office in Charlotte NC. He has held various callings within the church. They joyfully served as needed.
On a daily basis Ray would say “rise and shine”. It was his hope that those who would hear the expression would 'rise to the occasion and shine their brightest light for others to see.’
The Funeral Services for Ray Sanders will be held Saturday Aug 20th 2016.
The viewing is 10:30am to 11:30am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints at 5897 Hemby Road, Weddington, NC, followed by the Funeral at 12 at the same location.
Burial will follow the service at Crown Memorial Park – 9620 Rodney Street – Pineville, NC
McEwen Funeral Service 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 is assisting the family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18