Dr. Walter E. Sanders Sr.

Walter Sanders Obituary

MAY 22, 1917 - MAY 10, 2008
Dr. Walter Edward Sanders, Sr., of 4400 Driftwood Drive, pastor, teacher, counselor, husband, father and friend ended his earthly journey of May 10, 2008.
Born in Newberry, SC on May 22, 1917 to A.V. and Lottie Mae Sanders; he was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Virgil S. Parler, Louise S. Coody, and Nillie Elene S. Bozard and by two brothers: Jack Sanders and Ray Sanders.
Dr. Sanders is survived by his loving spouse and best friend, Opal Williams Sanders; two sons, Walter Edward Sanders, Jr. and wife, Kathy Weir Sanders, and John Mark Sanders, all of Raleigh; one sister, Rosalyn Sanders Underwood of Newberry, SC; two sisters-in-law, Mary Louise Sanders of Milltown, NJ, Gertrude Sanders of Chapin, SC; and by many nieces and nephews.
His career touched the lives of countless friends, families and many students. He was loved for his compassion for all people. He wanted each person to reach their full and true potential in life. He was known for his smile and contagious laugh. He was a very happy person in all walks of his life.
He served in numerous leadership roles. He was chaplain and Director of Pastoral Care for Dorothea Dix Hospital in Raleigh. He taught classes in Pastoral Care to students, from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and also some students for two other Divinity Schools for many years. He was chaplain at the Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC, Trustee of Truett McConnell College in Georgia, and also Trustee of Wingate University in Wingate, NC. He established several new churches, Eastside Baptist Church in Marietta, GA, Aversboro Road Baptist Church in Garner and a church in Asheboro, NC. Pastor advisor for the State Brotherhood Organization in NC and served on the General Board and Education Commission of the NC Baptist State Convention. Dr. Sanders was chaplain for the Civitan Club for the State of Georgia, as well.
Dr. Sanders was ordained a Baptist Minister on September 7, 1940. He was pastor of churches in South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, and North Carolina. While in Kentucky, he married Opal Williams on August 28, 1944. She often spoke that she married her pastor.
Dr. Sanders is a 1941 graduate of Newberry College. He earned his master's and doctorate degrees from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY and Graduate School of Pastoral Care at the NC Baptist Hospital Internship and Residency.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2008 at Forest Hills Baptist Church, officiated by his long time friends, Dr. Larry Harper, Dr. Luther Brewer, and Rev. William Bell. Family will receive friends in the church parlor prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Graveside funeral rites will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Forest Hills Baptist Church - 201 Dixie Trail - Raleigh, NC 27607; where he was a long-time member.
Condolences may be sent to www.brownwynne.com
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St. Mary's Street.

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

Published by The News & Observer from May 13 to May 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Sanders

8 Entries

Shannon Scott

May 17, 2008

We are sorry to have missed Dr. Sander's Homecoming Celebration. I had the privilege of knowing him as professor and following him as pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church. God used him greatly with us and the entire church. May God give you great comfort.

Patricia Laurence

May 16, 2008

Aunt Opal, Edward & Mark,
I have spent the past few days reminiscing about all of the wonderful times we enjoyed over the years. Uncle Walter was such a special man as well as a devoted servant to his Lord. He will be missed by those of us here but what a celebration is occuring in Heaven with his arrival!!! I can only imagine!!! I send love and comfort to you and just know that I keep you in my prayers and in my heart during this difficult time. I love you all.

Kevin and Debbie Stanley

May 14, 2008

Mark, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! We love you!

Derrill Smith

May 14, 2008

Along with the church family at Wingate Baptist Church, I express sympathy in the death of Dr. Sanders, but I also celebrate the spiritual legacy left by this good man. As the Pastor of Wingate Church, I honor his pastoral work that continues to honor God and bless people.
Blessings to the Sanders' family.

Edna Holcomb

May 14, 2008

Condolences to the Sanders family. I work in the Advancement Office at Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, GA, and although I did not know Dr. Sanders personally, all of us in the college family are grateful for his service as a trustee This institution stands today on the shoulders of those who have gone before us and built the foundations.

Naomi Reid

May 14, 2008

Dear Aunt Opal, Edward and Mark,
We love you all very much and wish we could be with you at this time, but you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle Walter was a very special person and will be missed greatly here on earth but will continue to watch over you all forever. Can you just imagine that Sanders Clan celebrating in Heaven! We love you all very much.

Naomi, Chuck, Michael, Daniel, and David Reid

May 13, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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