Lawrence Eugene Sanders, 89, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at Vero Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Sylva, N.C.
He was a native of Winter Garden, Fla., with a vacation home in the Beech Creek community of Robbinsville for the past 12 years. He was born in Orange County, Fla., the eighth child to the late Richard and Henrietta Williams Sanders.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Robby Sanders; plus five brothers and four sisters.
Lawrence was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served during the Korean War Era. He was a dedicated service man, who quickly rose in rank and became the youngest Staff Sgt. at the age of 19. He served as an Engine and Instrument Instructor.
He was also a deacon and founding member of Calvary Baptist Church in Winter Garden, Fla. His faith and love for the Lord was apparent in every aspect of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Maxine Clark Sanders; sons and their wives, Michael (Susan) Sanders of Deland, Fla., Doug (Angie) Sanders of Avalon, Fla., Danny (Susan) Sanders of Anthony, Fla., Alan (Jenny) Sanders of Kinston, Ala., Keith Sanders of Winter Garden, Fla. and Jason (Hope) Sanders of Robbinsville, N.C.; sister, Lorene Jones of Cairo, Ga.; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at noon Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at the Townson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Robbinsville, N.C. The Rev. Randy Collins officiated.
The family received friends from 11:00 a.m. – noon Friday at the chapel, prior to the service.
Burial will take place later in Winter Garden Cemetery, Winter Garden, Fla.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sanders family.
An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.