William Reid Sanders Sr

William Reid Sanders, Sr. passed away on January 16, 2025 at the age of 75. A lifelong Memphian, Reid attended Presbyterian Day School, Memphis University School, Central High School, and the University of Virginia, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He was a pillar of the community and improved the lives of countless people lucky enough to call him friend. Moreover, Reid had a meaningful impact on the broader community through his wide-ranging philanthropy.

Reid's palpable zest for life was readily apparent to all who met him. A common theme among the
many tributes that have poured in since his passing is how much enjoyment he experienced in seeing others
happy and successful. This was most evident in his cherished role of "camp counselor" for the many fishing
trips, ski trips, and other excursions he organized for friends and family. He also had a deep love of animals,
particularly his Golden Retrievers, Max and Gus, whom he was often seen taking on long walks in his
neighborhood.

Reid possessed a keen business acumen and, despite achieving remarkable success throughout his life,
always remained humble. In addition to serving as a founder and Executive Vice President of Southeastern
Asset Management and President of Longleaf Partners Funds, he was frequently asked to share his advice and
counsel as a board member for public and private companies across the country. After his retirement from
Southeastern, he engaged in numerous ventures, including the founding of Sanders Properties, which actively
managed a number of real estate investments across the Southeast.

Because of his talent, integrity, and big heart, he was sought after as a Director, Trustee, and benefactor
of numerous nonprofit institutions, and he dutifully and gladly answered those calls. Just a few of those were
the Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia, Rhodes College, the Hugo Dixon Foundation,
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, and the Campbell Clinic Foundation.

As one example of his influence, he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Hutchison School
(the alma mater of his wife and daughter) at a pivotal and transformative time in the school's history. His
extraordinary leadership prompted the Memphis girls' school to bestow upon him the title of "Honorary
Alumna," a distinction which brought him great pride.

Beyond his professional achievements and public service, Reid possessed a deep generosity of spirit
and contagious optimism. He was ever ready to help those around him in matters big or small and always saw
the best in others. This was especially true when it came to his family, which was his greatest joy. He adored
his wife and best friend Chris, and he was bursting with pride in his children, Aubrey and Reid, whose
accomplishments he couldn't wait to share.

He was a member of the Memphis Hunt and Polo Club; The Memphis Country Club, where he served
as President; and Yeamans Hall Club in Charleston, SC. Some of his favorite pastimes included attending
Memphis Tigers basketball games, cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, dining at River Oaks
Grill and Houston's, and visiting his home away from home in Charleston, SC, where his children and beloved
grandpup also reside.

Reid is predeceased by his father Edward Harvey Sanders, Sr., mother Mimi Reid Sanders Smith, step
father Dr. Hugh Smith, brother George Clarke Sanders, half-brother Edward Harvey Sanders, Jr., half-sister
Normi Sanders Geske (Tim), and step-sisters Mimi Smith Mallory (Albert) and Nancy Smith Johnston (David).
He is survived by his wife of 40 years Christeve Robinson Sanders, daughter Christeve Aubrey Sanders
(Jack Davis); son William Reid Sanders, Jr. (Lydia); half-sister Jean Sanders Kirkpatrick (Bob); and many nieces,
nephews, and godchildren.

His impact on those who loved, knew, and worked with him was profound, and he will be sorely
missed.

Visitation will be held in the parish hall of St. John's Episcopal Church at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 24,
with a memorial service in the church at 2 p.m., and a private burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed towards a charitable
organization of meaning to the donor.