Donald Clayton Sanders

1934 - 2025

Donald Clayton Sanders

October 27, 1934 - September 19, 2025

Charlotte, North Carolina - Donald Clayton Sanders, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025. Born October 27, 1934, in Washington DC, Don was the son of the late James Henderson and Lillian Stewart Sanders. He was survived for one week by his wife of 69 years, Mary Auman Sanders. Don was a dedicated and beloved family man as well as community servant in the non-profit world.

Don's life was marked by deep compassion, service, diverse interests, and humor. He graduated from McKinley High School in Washington, DC, in 1952. He received his bachelor's degree from Duke University and married Mary in 1956, before receiving his master's degree in social work from UNC-CH in 1958. After two years in Aiken, SC, running the United Fund, Don came to Charlotte to join the United Community Services in 1960. He became president in 1974 continuing until retirement in 1994.

Through his work Don had an integral role in forming the character of the growing city. His ability to create a spirit of community involvement with businesses, his collaborative approach, and his ability to build consensus toward common goals helped shape modern Charlotte.

After retiring, Don and Mary remained in Charlotte for another 31 years. He served on many non-profit boards, often as chairman. He also led many ministries during his 65-year membership at Dilworth United Methodist Church.

Don had many interests outside of his work, but primary was his passion for music. His powerful tenor voice developed in his teens and continued into his 80's. He loved choral music and sang in choirs, often as a soloist, throughout his life. Many in Charlotte knew Don through his singing, not his profession.

Don loved nothing more though than spending time with his family. He and Mary hosted annual family beach or NC mountain weeks, and also annual holiday gatherings.

Don was survived for one week by his wife, Mary Sanders; and is survived by his four children, Clay Sanders, Kendall Kirkland, Stewart Sanders, and Susannah Winiski, and their spouses; his nine grandchildren and their spouses; and two great-grandchildren. He is pre-deceased by his parents, brother, Kenneth Sanders, and grandson, Joel Sanders.

Don's love for people and his ability to unite diverse opinions with respect, warmth, and humor will be an inspirational memory for all who knew him.

A joint memorial service celebrating Don's and Mary's lives will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Dilworth United Methodist Church, 605 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don's memory to Crisis Assistance Ministry of Charlotte.

Please refer to Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service's website for a more comprehensive obituary.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.