A native of Pitt County, he was the son of the late Willie G. and Maggie E. Saunders.

He was a charter member of Heritage Baptist Church where he served as head usher and bus captain for many years. He was retired from the N.C. Department of Transportation.

Survivors include his wife, Sadie “Lou” Weddings Saunders; one daughter, Brenda S. Dupree and husband David of Zebulon; two sisters, Pat S. Wheeler of Wilson and Margaret S. Thorne of Alabama; one brother, Durwood Saunders of Tarboro; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held last Tuesday at Heritage Baptist Church with the Rev. David Dupree officiating. Burial followed on Wednesday in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Baptist Church Bus Miistry, 615 Mack Todd Road, Zebulon NC 27597.

L. Harold Poole Funeral Service and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.