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Eric Saunders Obituary

SAUNDERS WINSTON SALEM Eric Alton Saunders August 5, 1946 - Nov. 5, 2012 Mr. Eric Alton Saunders, 66, died Monday, November 5, 2012, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. Eric was born on August 5, 1946 in Guilford County to the late Neil and Lois Wallace Saunders. He served in the US Army before attending NC State University, graduating in 1972. Eric then furthered his education and interest in law at NC Central School of Law. His law career encompassed serving in the Offices of District Attorney - 9th District and 17A District (Roxboro) before serving as Chief Assistant District Attorney - 21st District from 1987 until 2006. He was then in private practice until his death. Eric was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Gov. Easley on December 14, 2006 for proven record of extraordinary service to the state of NC. Surviving are his wife, Alisa Motsinger Saunders, of the home; one son, Eric Ashley Saunders of Telluride CO; three step children, Nicolette Hodges, Courtney Boudousquie and Will Boudousquie; two grandchildren, Dylan and Cash Saunders; one step grandchild, Ava Boudousquie; one sister, Toni Saunders Slayton of Winston-Salem; one brother, John Saunders of Acworth, GA; a nephew, Bryce Slayton and niece, Shannon Shipta. Eric will lie in state at Sedge Garden United Methodist Church starting at 11:00 a.m. for the public. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 8, 2012 at Sedge Garden United Methodist Church with Rev. Ellis Rouse officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. Being a devout fan of the UNC Tarheels, the family requests that, all who can, to wear something blue to celebrate Eric's life! In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Center, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or Sedge Garden United Methodist Church, 794 Sedge Garden Road, Kernersville, NC 27284. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Winston-Salem Journal on Nov. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Larry Oldham

November 16, 2012

To the family of Rick Saunders. WE were friends in junior and senior high school. We played basketball together in glenwood. He was a great student and leader in school. I am sorry I only saw him at our school reunions. I would have loved to see him work in the courtroom. My prayers go up for the comfort of his loved ones.

Beverly

November 13, 2012

My thoughts and prayer are with Eric's family and friends. I met Eric in the 70's through his law school friends. He was a great man who blessed us with wonderful memories to cherish forever.

Brenda McSwain

November 12, 2012

I had the privilege of working with Eric for several years before I became a Probation Parole Officer. I was the Victim-Witness Assistant in the District Attorney's Office and was in charge of having his victims and witnesses in the court room when he wanted them and not there when they weren't needed and doing a lot of hand-holding while we waited for the juries to return a verdict. Eric was a very effective prosecutor, but had great compassionfor his victims. A few of the trials that come to mind are the Michael Hayes case and the Jackie Brewer case, both resulting in guilty verdicts and of course there were many more. I remember the afternoon I told him that I would be leaving to become a PPO. He was NOT happy and that was very evident; however, he came in the next morning, congratulated me, gave me a big hug and wished me well--a true example of his heart always being in the right place.

My extreme condolances go out to Eric's family and fiends. May you find peace and comfort resting in his laurels.

Anthony&Lacey Harden

November 9, 2012

Eric, You will surely be missed. It's always good to know that when you have an attorney that there always are on your side and not just in it for the money. We appreciate everything that you done for us and I feel like a part of my family has left us. No more pain now you are free. Rest In Peace.

Marie Barlow-West

November 9, 2012

Dear Alisa and family,
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. What a great loss. Such an amazing man. He was such a blessing to so many people. Thank God he is in a better place.
God Bless,
Wayne and Marie West

November 9, 2012

John and Toni, my heart is broken just knowing Rick is not walking on this earth anymore. I always loved him and his sense of humor. I hope you find last peace in your memories. Terry Jenson

Shirley Crews

November 9, 2012

Toni,
It is hard to understand many things, but I know that God can help you through this. I am praying for you and love you so much.

November 8, 2012

MY thoughts and prayers go out to the family I am sorry for your loss...I met Eric many many years ago he was the District Attorney in my dads murder trial he was good at what he did he put my dads murderer away for life he is as someone said hes the voice for victims and their families he was the voice for my dad thank you Eric I will forever be grateful I even saw Eric in costco a couple years ago and had to Thank him again.

Tim and Marilyn Southern

November 8, 2012

Thinking of Eric today, and would just like for his family to know how much he was appreciated by those of us in law enforcement. He leaves a legacy of integrity and dedication which reflects well upon the legal profession and himself as a person. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today. Sincerely, Tim and Marilyn Southern

November 8, 2012

I worked with and became friends with Eric. He had an infectious smile and a bounding personality. When I first worked at the courthouse, I watched him prosecute the murder of a prostitute with such intensity and style...I remember thinking that he may have been the only man who gave this woman's life value. I'm sure she is thanking him in heaven by God's amazing grace. Eric...you are tops.

Tracy Holloway

November 8, 2012

Eric's son (Eric Jr.) and I played little league baseball together in Roxboro. I remember Eric helping out as a base coach. I also remember him in the DA's office in Winston Salem when I was a Sate Trooper. Eric always had a smile on his face and was very kind to me. Eric Jr.(classmate), you can be proud of your dad, he was a good man and he is in a better place now. May God bless you and your family during your time of sorrow.

Andy Wilson

November 7, 2012

Rick and I were best friends in jr. and sr. high school,always playing ball or hanging out together,all great memories.I will miss him,but always remember him with a big smile.

Chris Sealey

November 7, 2012

You held my niece's hand during the trial and brought her murderer to justice..... I'm sure you're holding her hand in heaven today. Thank you Eric for protecting Britnie and letting her into your heart. You are a very special person and heaven is a little sweeter because you are there. You are loved, appreciated, and missed by those you left behind!

Keith Redmon

November 7, 2012

I remember meeting Eric in the late 80's. I have had the distinct pleasure of watching him work the courtroom. Eric prosecuted the first homicide I was ever involved in. He was always a champion of justice and the "voice" of many victims in Forsyth County. He will be sorely missed. To the family, may your sadness soon be replaced with fond memories.

Deborah Bohannon Landreth

November 7, 2012

I was so sad to learn of Eric's passing. I worked with Eric many years ago in the District Attorney's Office and he was such a good person to work with. He will be missed. May the Lord be with you and your family at this time.

Olive Bailiff

November 7, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Barbara Smith

November 7, 2012

Eric was an awesome DA and a very giving and wonderful person. His death brings such sadness, but its a comfort to know he is no longer in pain. He will be missed by many, because he touched so many lives! My heart goes out to all of you, and may you allow God to wrap his loving arms around you, along with the love of friends and family to get you through this time of need.

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