William F. Sanders

William (Bill) F. Sanders’ journey on this earth ended on March 31, 2019.  He began his life in glory with His Savior, Jesus Christ, in the same instant.  “To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord” II Corinthians 5:8. Bill was born August 17, 1947.  Bill received Christ as his savior at age 15.  He strove to be obedient to God’s will and a witness to God’s saving grace.  He was a man of intense love for his family and friends.  He was easy to love.  His smile would draw you to him as he leaned in to make you the only person who mattered.  He was a man who forgave easily to anyone.  He never carried a grudge or had a bad word about anyone.  He was a man who was the definition of integrity.  He even lost a very good job because of refusing to lie. He lived his life as pleasing to the Lord, not perfect, but forgiven. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1963-1970.  He served 2 years on the USS Witek, DD-848 on the Atlantic Coast. Bill’s profession and passion was cooking for the enjoyment of others.  He began working as a teen in food service with his dad.  He carried that passion while in the U.S. Navy.  After being discharged he began working in the dietary department at Lourdes Hospital.  During the Christmas season he would decorate and prepare food for hundreds of people at the hospital.  He enjoyed catering various events such as weddings and birthdays.  One of the most memorable was a Hawaiian Luau at Calvary Baptist back in the 70’s.    Those who are left to carry on his legacy are his wife of 51 years, Jacqueline.  His children, Teresa Sanders, Shannon and Samuel Brown, and William and Jenny Sanders.  His grandchildren, Nanette and Xander Napoli, Mark and Adrianna Brown, Alexandra (Allie) Brown, Samuel William Brown, Madelyn Sanders, Macy Sanders, Makena Sanders.  His great-granddaughter, Winter Napoli, 1 year old. He is also survived by his siblings whom he loved dearly.  Juanita Sanders, Mina Smallacombe, Roy and Darleen Sanders, and Pam and Millard Hall. many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family will greet friends at Calvary Baptist Church, 466 Chenango St, Binghamton NY, on Thursday, April 4, from 11-1pm with service following to celebrate Bill’s life.  Burial following with military honors at Chenango Valley Cemetery, Hillcrest, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TwinTiersHonorFlight.org  or send to Twin Tiers Honor Flight, PO Box 1770, Binghamton NY 13902.

 

 

 

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