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.
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
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
Regards, Eileen and Don Wilburn
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
Flo & Jake Thigpen
Deb
Sincerely, Meri and Terry, OH
Rest in peace, my friend… I know we will meet again.
Blessings,
Hank