Gene Sanders

Erwin Gene Sanders, 65, of Richlands died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center at 5 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Richlands High School auditorium with the Reverend Kenneth Huffman officiating. Private burial with military honors will be held at a later date at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Gene was a native of Richlands. He graduated from Richlands High School in 1967, where he was four years all-conference in football. Gene was the owner and operator of Sanders Auto Parts in Richlands for over 35 years. Prior to taking over the family business, he was a sheriff's deputy for the Onslow County Sheriff's Department and continued as a sheriff's deputy reserve for many years following. Gene proudly served in the U.S. Army and is a Vietnam veteran.

Gene was a pillar in the community in many service capacities. He was president of the Richlands Planning Board for nine years, founding chair of the Richlands ETJ committee, charter member of the Richlands Chamber of Commerce, and charter member and president of the Richlands High School Century Club from 1990-2007. In 2005, he was named Richlands Citizen of the Year. For over 20 years, he was involved with Richlands Little League as a coach and umpire as well as an umpire booking agent for all of Onslow County. He is a member of the Richlands United Methodist Church.

Gene is predeceased by his parents, William Thomas (W.T.) and Katherine Hargett Sanders; and his brother, Julian Chester Sanders. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Henrietta M. Sanders (Hank); daughter, Jennifer Sanders Hollingsworth and husband J of Kinston; son, Brian Gene Sanders and wife Sarah of Richmond, Va.; grandchildren, J Winston Hollingsworth, III (Tripp), Katherine Claire Hollingsworth, and Barrett Brian Sanders; brothers, Thomas Hargett Sanders and wife Ann of La Grange, twin brother, Merwin Dean Sanders and wife Bobbie of Richlands; sister, Katherine Sanders Ries and husband Tom of Richlands; sister-in-law, Bernice Sanders; and 19 nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends following the service on Sunday, Dec. 8.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Regiment, 3025 John Quick Road, MCB Quantico, VA 22134, c/o Charitable Donations Coordinator. Make checks payable to: Dept. of Navy Gift Fund, memo line to state: Wounded Warrior Regiment.

Condolences may be left at jonesfh.org.

Funeral arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home, Richlands