William Francis Sanders (August 13, 1938 - October 07, 2019)

In loving memory of
William Francis Sanders
  • August 13, 1938
  • -
  • October 07, 2019

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Obituary

William Francis Sanders, age 81, of Maryland, South Carolina & Florida. Beloved husband for 32 years of Judy Craig Sanders. Father of Julie Honza (Milton) of Lucas, TX, Laurie Yobbi (Mario) of Highland Village, TX, Tracy Larkin (Mark) of Pittsburgh, PA, Step-Father to Kimberly Borges (Rick) of Milford, MI. Grandfather of Morgan & Ashtyn Honza, Nicholas & Samantha Yobbi, Christopher & Jonathon Larkin and Craig Borges. Great Grandfather to Avery and Bennett Larkin. Bill was the only child of the late Francis W. Sanders and Ruth Evans Reese of Oakland, Maryland where he was born and raised.

A U.S. Navy Veteran, Bill was a retired executive for JCPenney. Bill was an avid golfer and loved riding his bike until being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2007. He enjoyed working in the yard, his John Deere tractor and swimming after retiring to Kiawah Island, SC, Aiken, SC and then Fort Myers, FL.

Bill was always a friendly and loving personality. There was a smile and good word from him for all he encountered. He was a strong leader and people manager, and really enjoyed developing his team members. His many employees over the years appreciated his positive attitude, supportive leadership style and friendly personality.

Bill was employed by J C Penney’s for 39 years. He began his career as a trainee, beginning in Baden, PA. He was quickly promoted to management positions then to store manager in numerous northeastern JCP stores, his final store being the JCP at Tyson’s Corner in McLean, VA. He was responsible for opening and closing several JCP stores and on a team to move the corporate office from New York to Texas. In 2010 he was given the distinct honor of 50 years with J. C. Penney Company.

Of Bill’s numerous accomplishments’ and varied activities, he was most proud of his family and the love of his life, Judy. He enjoyed spending time with his daughters, son­ in-laws and especially his grandchildren. They adored him greatly and will miss him dearly.

Bill and Judy traveled to many different places and enjoyed meeting new people and cultures. They truly enjoyed each other along the way with unconditional love and admiration for each other. After the Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Judy was his only caregiver for 10 years until he finally needed to be placed in a home. Even there, he offered his smile and friendship to others.

During his lifetime, Bill was a member of several country clubs and often served on numerous boards and committees. His latest memberships were at The Reserve in Aiken, SC and Olde Hickory Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers, FL.

A Celebration of Life at Olde Hickory CC on 11/9/2019 at 12:00 Address: 14670 Olde Hickory Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33912. Please RSVP brosich@oldehickory.cc before 11/2/19.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer’s Association, Hope Hospice or other charities are deeply appreciated.

 

Those we hold most dear

Never truly leave us….

They live on

In the kindness they showed

The comfort they shared

And the love they brought

Into our lives.

 

 

 

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be ALWAYS

at your back,

May the sunshine warm upon your face.

And the rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until

We meet again,

May GOD hold you in the palm of his Hand.

 


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Tribute Wall

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  1. Janie emory says:
    11 Nov 2019
    Judy, I am sorry for your loss. I wish that I could have been there for you as you were always there for me. I pray that you will find peace and tha God will hold you close. Love you aways and forever. Janie

  2. Lori says:
    23 Oct 2019
    Judy,
    I am so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was such a wonderful man and I had great respect for him. I remember the first day I met him & you when we were touring the beginnings of the Cheektowaga store in 1989. My sincerest sympathies to you and the family.
    Lori (Allen) Quirk

  3. Cindy Whaley says:
    16 Oct 2019
    Judy,
    I remember those Friday night (meetings) at Pub club, when we first moved to Aiken. Your Bill is now with my Bill.
    Love,
    Cindy Whaley

  4. Eileen and Don Wilburn says:
    13 Oct 2019
    Our sympathies to you and your family. What a wonderful life you shared with Bill before his illness. May those memories and knowing he is now at peace bring you comfort.
    Regards, Eileen and Don Wilburn

  5. Janet Korzen says:
    13 Oct 2019
    Judy,
    Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Bill & you were great neighbors here in Aiken. Dick always enjoyed talking with Bill while they were working in the yard. He was always so friendly.
    Keeping you in thoughts & prayers,
    Dick & Janet

  6. Karen Poteat says:
    13 Oct 2019
    Bill had the power to make the entire room smile! I am honored to have known him.

  7. June K Shively says:
    12 Oct 2019
    Our love and thoughts are with the family of Bill. We always enjoyed his friendly ways and that great smile. May God Bless you, Judy and his family. Sincerely, Dan and June Shively

  8. Flo|Jake Thigpen says:
    11 Oct 2019
    Judy, we were saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a very special man. We hope that in time your sadness will be replaced by fond memories. Sincerely
    Flo & Jake Thigpen

  9. Jack and Debbie Weber says:
    11 Oct 2019
    Jack and my condolences to Judy and family, Bill always met us with a smile, he will be missed.
    Deb

  10. John Manning says:
    11 Oct 2019
    A great guy. Judy and Bill were lucky to have each other. John Manning

  11. Meri Calder says:
    11 Oct 2019
    Our sincere condolences to you, Judy, and your family. I am sorry that we were not privileged to get to know Bill very well as he was already ill when we met him. His obituary is wonderful and gave us a lot of information that I never knew about him. You are very fortunate to have lived and loved with such a wonderful man!
    Sincerely, Meri and Terry, OH

  12. Mary Lou and Hal Coar says:
    10 Oct 2019
    Judy and Bill were among the first people we met when we moved to Aiken SC. We are happy to see that smile again in his picture. Our prayers are with Judy and his family.

  13. Pat Killion says:
    10 Oct 2019
    You will forever be that giant presence in the memories we hold of you. With deepest love and respect! Pat and Connie.

  14. Pat Judge says:
    10 Oct 2019
    Bill was a sweet, gentle giant. I have such happy memories of Bill and Judy on Kiawah and our trip to Scotland. RIP

  15. Hank Greer says:
    10 Oct 2019
    Bill, you truly were one of the nicest man I’ve ever known.

    Rest in peace, my friend… I know we will meet again.

    Blessings,

    Hank

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