Gary Lavoy Sanders

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Gary L. Sanders, aged 73, of Wilson, Oklahoma, passed away on February 4, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Glynn Baker officiating. The services are under the direction of Alexander Gray Funeral Home and Crematory in Wilson.

Gary was born on September 14, 1952, in Dumas, Texas, to Leonard Woodrow Sanders and Mildred Viola (Holloway) Sanders, who both predeceased him. He grew up in Sunray, Texas, where he attended school and participated in various talent shows alongside Margaret Parsons. Gary earned a scholarship for his academic achievements and subsequently attended Clarendon College, where he played basketball.

Throughout his extensive career, which began in 1968 as a lifeguard for Sunray Swimming Pool, Gary worked for the city of Sunray during the summers and later for Northern Natural Gas. He ultimately found his passion in electrical work, assisting his brother, and spent many years for many different electric companies with his career ending at Hutzlers Electric in Duncan.

A devoted musician, Gary enjoyed playing the guitar and singing, as well as fishing, particularly for crappie at Healdton Lake in his kayak. His faith played an integral role in his life, deepened by a transformative healing experience from cancer in 2016, which inspired him to write the song "I Got My Ticket and I'm Heaven Bound." Gary's unwavering faith in God was evident in his gentle demeanor and his desire for others to share in his faith.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy; children, Freddie Smith and Cinda Jimenez; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Maxine Stephens, Harold Sanders, and Donald Sanders; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, sister Barbara Daily, and brother-in-law Bobby Stephens.

Pallbearers for the service will be Jay Turner, Troy Bradley, Ty Rhodes, Nick Baker, Randy Ridenour, and Dakota Ridenour. Honorary bearers include Robby Sanders, Gary Don Sanders, Kenny Jackson, Tyler Baker, Trent Baker, Freddie Smith, Harold Sanders, Donald Sanders, and Harold Ridenour.

Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 6-8 P.M. at Alexander Gray Funeral Home in Wilson. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com.