Mr. David Sanders, Sr. transitioned peacefully on February 26, 2022 at his home, surrounded by family.  He was born in Bamberg County on October 5, 1931 to the late Mrs. Elzona Tyler Sanders and Mr. Samuel Sanders. David was born on the family farm and remained there for 90 years.  He was an accomplished farmer and loved the land, taking pride in maintaining the family farm for as long as possible until his health began to decline.  David sustained the family farm by producing cotton, vegetables, and fruit. His watermelons were some of the sweetest in the area, and he enjoyed sharing with neighbors and friends.  He was an active member of Honey Ford Baptist Church, having served as a dedicated Usher and Trustee Emeritus.  He was Chief of the Baptist Usher's Union.

David was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Mrs. Hattie Mines Sanders.  They were hard workers, and he depended on Hattie Bell to take care of the family business while he worked tirelessly as a master brick layer.  He attended Capernaum School in Denmark and became a self-taught brick mason under the training of his uncle and older brother. His work can be seen across the state and country on many historical buildings, industrial buildings, colleges/university buildings, personal dwellings, and churches, including his beloved Honey Ford Baptist Church, where he and family members laid bricks to surround the original structure.  He worked throughout the area and in surrounding states of North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, and even worked on a security fence at the Empire State Building with his brother-in-law in New York City.

Siblings who preceded David in death include brothers Louis, Benjamin, Samuel, Olden and John Sanders; and sisters Salina Sanders and Samella Sanders Washington.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a dedicated Daughter, Dr. Gloria (Rev. Larry) McCutcheon of Orangeburg, SC and a devoted Son, Deacon David (Mrs. Dorothy) Sanders, Jr. of Winter Park, FL.  While his siblings reside out of state, he had regular conversations with his loving Sister, Mrs. Lessie Mae Davis of Washington, DC and caring Brother, Mr. Willie (Mrs. Christine) Sanders of Bronx, New York.  He also leaves cherished memories with sister-in-law Mrs. Ruthie M. Sanders, who was one of his caregivers, and brother-in-law, Mr. Andrew Washington who checked in on him, both of Denmark, SC.  Mr. Sanders was blessed with four granddaughters who have precious memories and loved him dearly, Mrs. Carmen (Mr. Alphonso) Simon of Richmond, VA; Dr. Priscilla McCutcheon (Dr. Joseph) Benitez of Lexington, KY; Ms. Crystal J. Sanders and Ms. Aimee J. Sanders, both of Atlanta, GA.  He was blessed to have four great-grandchildren who made him smile: Emmanuel David and Paloma Jeanine Benitez of Lexington, KY and twins Grace Marie and Emma Jean Simon of Richmond, VA.  He also leaves a host of caring nieces, nephews, and cousins to cherish his memories.

David enjoyed talking, joking, and praying with his caregivers Mrs. Ruthie Sanders, Mrs. Romell Ingram, Mrs. Roy Mae Johnson, Ms. Sallie Ray, and Mr. and Mrs. Willie (Helen) Grimes, as well, as the nurses at The Methodist Oaks, Pruitt Health and Grove Park Hospice.

May He Rest in peace!!