Donald Ray Sanders

Mr. Donald Ray Sanders, age 86, husband of Cherryl A. Sanders, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at his home.

            D.R., as he was known to Cherryl, and Donald Ray or Nab to everyone else, was born in Union, June 1, 1937, a son of the late Clarence and Anita Gregory Sanders. He was a 1958 graduate of Union High School and a 1961 graduate of Wofford College. While attending Wofford, he worked at Excelsior Mill, then afterwards began his career with Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company as a debt agent then being promoted to District Manager. He retired in 2009 from Mast Advertising and Publishing Co. where he traveled the eastern states selling advertising ads for the yellow pages.

            Surviving in addition to his wife are sons, Donald A. Sanders and Jeffrey Gossett and wife Paige all of W. Columbia, Robert Allen Gossett and wife Cecilia of Walterboro, Christopher Gossett and wife Marcy of Lexington, Bill Owens and wife Pam of Lake Bowan, and special children, Jacob Robinson and wife Logan of Union; a sister, Mary Ann Bell of Prosperity and several nieces and nephews.

            He was known as “Papa D.R.” to his grandchildren whom he loved and was so proud of each one, Joshua Sanders, Jessica Elesenhimer and husband Isaac, Tara Derrick, Rebecca Pearson and husband Jake, Zach Owens, Ashley Fry, Chad Gossett, Brandon Gossett, Brittney King, Brooke Murphy and husband Derrick, Julia Renew and husband Tyler, Jackson Gossett, Morgan Gossett, Ainsley Gossett and Anna Kate Gossett and great-grandchildren, Elyza, Genny and Ivey Elesenhimer, Quinn and Alice Derrick, Blakely Renew, Jackson and Maggie Pearson, Madelyn Gibson, Madison Fry, C.J. and Gabby Gossett, Wanda, Leon, and Dorrian Gossett, and Levi, Lucas, and Lilyann Murphy. He was predeceased by two sons, Bill Sanders and Carl Sanders.

            A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Sardis Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Jeff Farmer. Visitation will be held Saturday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM at the church prior to the services.

            Memorials may be made to Sardis Methodist Church, 964 Sardis Rd., Union, SC 29379 or to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 950 W. Farris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

            The family will be at the home, 993 Sardis Rd., Union.

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