Bobby Lee Sanders

Bob grew up in the Whittier, California, area and left home at age 18, trying his hand at several jobs before working as a draftsman in York, Pennsylvania. His most significant project was designing the steel work for the original National Bohemian Beer brewery building that still stands today as a landmark in Baltimore, Maryland.

While in York, Bob met and married the love of his life, Norma Esther Fidler Sanders, and they celebrated their seventy-first wedding anniversary on October 4, 2023.

Immediately following their wedding, Bob received his draft notice. Instead, he chose to join the U.S. Army and during bootcamp was selected for Officer Candidate School (OCS). He graduated as a second lieutenant from Corps of Engineers OCS in 1953. For the next 31 years, Bob, Norma and family moved more than 20 times during his active-duty service and made wonderful memories while traveling domestically and abroad for Bob’s different military assignments.

In 1958, the U.S. Army created an aviation section, and Bob attended flight school and became a fixed-wing pilot and a helicopter test pilot.

He served two tours in the Vietnam War with distinction, highlighted by his tour at the 189th Assault Helicopter Company, where he was company commander of The Avengers. While in Vietnam, Bob received the following citations: The Bronze Star Medal, The Bronze Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster), and The Distinguished Flying Cross Medal. After returning from Vietnam in 1968, Bob became one of the first engineers/aviators to be given command of an Engineering battalion—the 548th—at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty).

While in the U.S. Army, Bob completed a bachelor’s degree from Campbell College (now University) and was a devoted Fighting Camel fan for the rest of his life.

Bob was promoted to Colonel (Regular Army) while stationed at The Command General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He finished his career as Director of the Directorate of Disposal Operations in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal.

Following his retirement from the Army, Bob had a very successful second career working alongside his former comrade and best friend, Bud Pohlman, at Component Machinery and Engineering in St. Louis, Missouri.

Bob and Norma moved to Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, in 1994, where they enjoyed 19 years in Beacon’s Reach and then moved to the Raleigh-Durham area in 2013 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They hosted epic, wonderful Sanders Beach Week celebrations at Holden Beach, North Carolina, for their family for several decades, and the incredible memories are bringing so much comfort during this time of loss.

In addition to spending time with his family, Bob had many interests, including traveling, gardening, bird hunting, as well as Kansas University and Stanford University basketball.

Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Norma, as well as his five children, Craig (Doris), Jeff (Carol), Brad (Linda), Leslie Rivenbark (Russ) and Julie Driver; 15 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren.

Friends and family will gather in a Celebration of Life at Del Webb Carolina Arbors Varsity Room from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. Interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob’s honor to the National Vietnam War Museum or Duke Hospice, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Bob’s and Norma’s personal nurse, Sara, for her amazing love and care, as well as the wonderful, compassionate team from Duke Hospice.

In the words of Bob, “Army Strong!”

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Bobby, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.