Lieutenant Roy A. Sanders (Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Retired), 79, went to his Heavenly Home on Monday, January 16, 2023. He was born on May 17, 1943 in Caldwell County to the late George McKinley Sanders and Laura Cardwell Sanders. He was a member of Arney’s Fairview United Methodist Church. Roy was a veteran of the US Air Force. He retired from the Burke County Sheriffs Office with twenty-eight plus years of service. After his retirement, Roy enjoyed hunting, always helping with the monthly church breakfast and gardening with his buddy, Robert Webb.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ray Sanders; sister, Shirley Mae Hartley.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Huffman Sanders; daughter, Shelly Pritchard (Gary); step-sons, Randy Lane (Allison) and Scott Lane; grandchildren, Cameron Gardin, Laura Villeda, and Peyton Lane; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert Sanders, James Sanders, and Fred Sanders; and many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you goes to the many church members who helped him during his declining health.
No services are planned at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arney’s Fairview United Methodist Church.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Leave a tribute for Lieutenant Roy A Sanders.
I worked with Roy in the past and he was a wonderful man. He will be missed greatly.
Grandpa you fought hard to be here with those who loved you but God simply needed you more. I hope you are rejoicing with your mom and dad and Ray and Shirley Mae in heaven. I want you to know I will always cherish the moments we shared with you. He and I had a inside joke that he could never understand a word that I said , but I loved hearing him laugh as I attempted to make my accent more southern so he could finally hear what I was telling him . You had a sweet smile and a contagious laugh I will never forget. Even though we didn't get as much time with you as we wished you were always in our hearts. Please know we love you and will speak of you often to keep your memory alive. Love you grandpa Roy
Grandpa you fought hard to be here with those who loved you but God simply needed you more. I hope you are rejoicing with your mom and dad and Ray and Shirley Mae in heaven. I want you to know I will always cherish the moments we shared with you. He and I had a inside joke that he could never understand a word that I said , but I loved hearing him laugh as I attempted to make my accent more southern so he could finally hear what I was telling him . You had a sweet smile and a contagious laugh I will never forget. Even though we didn't get as much time with you as we wished you were always in our hearts. Please know we love you and will speak of you often to keep your memory alive. Love you grandpa Roy
Anne I am so sorry to hear about Roy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you loved him dearly. You always talked so highly about him. Sending love and prayers.
We thank you Lt. for your public service in the Air Force and with the Burke County Sheriff's Office. It's easy for me to picture your smile and be thankful that I had the chance to know you. May God bless your family until you all have the opportunity to be together again.
Fly high on wings of angels Daddy. I love you so much and will miss you every day of the rest of my life. I will treasure all the good times we shared and even the not so good times. I thank God for the blessing of having you for my father and thank Him that he gave me to you and my mom. I hope you had a grand reunion with Mamaw, Papaw, Uncle Ray and Aunt Shirley Mae. I will see you again someday and I hope you are there waiting for me when I cross over. I love you forever.
Mrs. Sanders and family, since I retired from Burke County, I thought of employees within the various departments and Lt. Roy Sanders was on the list. I am sorry for your loss and I am sure you will miss the joy he brought to you. May God grant you comfort and peace as you bear this loss. Thank God for each moment we share with others.
Thank you for your service to your Country and to your community young man. God Bless you and those you leave here with us on this earth. God's speed.