Roy Lynn Sanders

Roy Lynn Sanders, 76, of Morganton, NC slipped through Heaven’s Doors into the arms of Our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 18, 2014.  Born August 2, 1938 in Mecklenburg County, NC, he was the son of the late Roy Spurgeon Sanders and Johnsie Sanders McGill.  After graduating from Myers Park High School, Roy attended the Citadel in Charleston, SC, and went on to serve in the Air National Guard during the Vietnam War.  Roy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Morganton.  He retired as a sales executive from the auto industry and was the owner of Calico’s Ice Cream and Deli where he created fond memories by coining the motto, “Let us make you smile”.  Roy was an avid community servant and was the recipient of the “Community Spirit Award” sponsored by American General Life Insurance Company.  He was the Primary Director for numerous non-profit organizations, and was involved in many other community activities.

He was also credited with bringing the dreams of children involved in Soap Box Derby activities to fulfillment.  Roy spent hours helping children build self-confidence and self-esteem with his words of encouragement. 

The Optimist Club (sponsors of the Soap Box Derby) presented Roy with their most prestigious award, “The Life Membership Award”. 

Roy is survived by his wife, Velma Hester Sanders of the home; children, Debbie Barnstable and husband, Tim of Asheville, NC and Jeff Sanders of Morganton; step-children, Melissa Brown of Morganton and Emory Brown and wife, Mallory of Dunn, NC; grandchildren, Kimberly McCall Harbison and husband, Eric of Morganton, Kelly Sanders of Morganton, Wesley Barnstable of Tucson, AZ, Andrew Barnstable of Asheville, Jessica and Erica Crowder, both of Morganton, and Savannah, Carolina, and Bradley Brown, all of Dunn; great-grandchildren, Alek Ross Pearson and Leighton Eric Harbison, both of Morganton; a sister, Gaye Sanders Fisher of Myrtle Beach, SC; a sister-in-law, Beverly Bryant of Bladenboro, NC; and a number of special nieces and nephews who were all dear to his heart.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 21, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Michael Bailey officiating.  Burial will be held at a later date at the Pine Crest Cemetery in Bladenboro.  The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc, 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC  28690, or to Autumn Care, 307 Oakland Avenue, Drexel, NC  28619.