George Edward Saunders, III, entered eternal rest on October 30, 2025, surrounded by love. He was born on September 10, 1964, in Elkton, Maryland, to Alvera Louise Saunders and George Edward Saunders, Jr.
George attended Cool Springs Elementary School. As a child, he was captivated by stories of heroism, triumph, and defying the odds. He enjoyed movies like Bruce Lee's Return of the Dragon, reading comic books, and following his favorite superheroes.
In 1982, George graduated from Alexis I. DuPont High School. He attended Delaware State College and Delaware Technical Community College and in 1984 enlisted in the United States Army. In 1990, George began working at Bell Atlantic, now Verizon Communications, where he worked for over 30 years.
George's lively spirit and magnetic presence illuminated every room he entered. Never at a loss for words, his deep, steady voice commanded attention and reverberated with life. His sense of humor and radiant smile made a lasting impression on everyone he met. George expressed himself through storytelling, turning ordinary events into tales that brought joy and laughter to those around him. A gifted singer, George loved to showcase his "George pipes," serenading his loved ones with the soulful ballads of Luther Vandross.
George was endlessly curious about the world around him. He found joy in learning new things and in sharing his knowledge and discoveries. A lifelong lover of stories in all forms, he delighted in reading, television, film, theater, Saturday morning cartoons, and science fiction classics like Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. He also found deep joy in studying sports, collecting music, and cooking, often sharing these with family and friends. One of his favorite pastimes was sharing meals along the Chesapeake City Canal and watching the sun set.
Above all, George took immense pride in being a Father. He shared his curiosity and love of learning with his children, nieces, and nephews, encouraging them to think and feel freely, ask questions, and follow their passions. He brought humor and playfulness to every moment, whether through games, jokes, or imaginative stories; laughter filled any room he was in. At the heart of that joy was a steadfast devotion to his family. His protective presence gave those around him a profound sense of safety and belonging.
George was, in every sense, a real-life superhero-courageous, wise, and full of love. He remained strong as he contended with illness over the last few months of his life. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
George is survived by his beloved daughters, Aja, Shani, and Nadiri; his devoted siblings, Brian W., Stuart A., Sherrie L. Wiggins, Suzanne Saunders Tait, Allison L., Shawn D., and Lisa M.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him deeply. He is preceded in death by his late mother and father, and his nephew, Brandon Alexander Saunders.
Viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 9–10:30am at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 604 N Walnut St.,
Wilmington, Delaware. A funeral service will begin at 10:30am, with Rev. Dr. Stanley Hearst, II officiating. Interment will follow at Bohemia Manor Cemetery in Chesapeake City, Maryland.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the following organizations:
Food Bank of Delaware
American Cancer SocietyBlood Cancer United (in honor of George's late mother)
Melanoma Research Foundation