Dewey Edward Saunders

Dewey Edward Saunders, 86, of Morganton, NC died Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born April 5, 1922 in Burke County, NC and was a son of the late Edward Washington Saunders and Nora Ann Clark Saunders. Dewey attended the Glen Alpine Schools. He was a US Coast Guard/Merchant Marine veteran of World War II. Dewey was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. Dewey was a member of Mount Home Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and former Sunday school teacher. Dewey loved his Lord and attending his beloved church.He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Naomi Ida Johnson Saunders of the home; daughters, Derinda Smith and husband, David, of Morganton and Debbie Bell and husband, Ray, of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Ashley Smith of Brooklyn, NY, Aaron Smith and wife, Brooke, of Durham, NC, Christie Abernathy and husband, Jeremy, and Angie Saunders, all of Morganton, Jeremy Bell and Jamie Bell, both of Hickory, NC; a great-grandchild, Sage Abernathy; a sister, Raye Powell and husband, Jack, of Shelby, NC; and a daughter-in-law, Frances Saunders of Morganton.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Dewey Saunders, Jr.; brothers, Roy, Vernon, Ralph, and Bill Saunders; and a sister, Dorothy Pachan.A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, June 6, 2008 at Mount Home Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Gamble officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors conducted by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Friday from 2:30 until 4:00 p.m. at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Home Baptist Church Graceful Giving Fund, 2272 Mount Home Church Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.