Winfred "Mr. S" Sanderlin Sr.

Winfred Sanderlin, Sr., passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at his home in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Born in Camden County, North Carolina, to the late James Edward Sanderlin, Sr. and Estella Watson, Winfred moved as a young child with his family to Princess Anne County, Virginia. He was a kind, hard-working, generous, and humble man whose smile could light up a room and make everyone feel welcome. Winfred deeply loved his family and was a father figure to many in the community.

A natural entrepreneur, Winfred poured his heart into every business he created, always treating customers like family. Over the years, he managed convenience stores, a sub shop, Winn's Chicken & Chips on Church Street, and became a Tidewater legend while managing Raphael's in South Norfolk during the 1980s. Raphael's was a hub for music, laughter, and community, hosting legends like Roy Ayers, Betty Wright, The Manhattans, Jerry Butler, and Millie Jackson. Winfred later managed two more popular restaurants and lounges, Pizazz and The Broadway, continuing to provide opportunities for local talent and a place for celebrities to visit when in town. His businesses were more than workplaces; they were family spaces where memories were made.

Winfred was preceded in death by eight brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Shirley Stokes Sanderlin; his children, Winfred Sanderlin, Jr. (September), Vincent Edward Liles, Shirlwin E. Sanderlin Watkins (Chris), Christopher James Sanderlin; ten grandchildren, Vincent Bryant (Terri), Chelisa Jackson, Winfred Sanderlin III, Michelle Liles, Christian Sanderlin (Kassidy), Jordyn Watkins, Jaxon Watkins, Christopher Sanderlin, Jr., Karsen Sanderlin, and Kase Sanderlin; and six great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Vincent, Mariah, Caliah, Xolani, and True Amor. He also leaves behind two sisters, Annette Lassiter (Grady) and Carolyn Latham (Victor); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Winfred's legacy of love, laughter, and community will live on in all who knew him.