WAYNE ELIJAH SANDERS
Wayne Elijah Sanders, 58, affectionately known as "Big Red/Buss," departed this earthly life on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, at the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia.
Wayne was born on Oct. 24, 1959, in Rembert, a son of the late Tom and Lurine Workman Sanders. At an early age, Wayne confessed Jesus as his personal Savior and joined Rafting Creek Baptist Church, where he became a member of the youth choir. He recently served in various capacities in the church: president of the brotherhood, member of the deacon and spouses' ministry, the media ministry and the men's Bible class. Wayne received his education in the Sumter County public schools and graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1977. Upon graduation from high school, Wayne was employed in the manufacturing industry. Wayne was married to the beloved Carol Taylor Sanders and to their union they were blessed with two beautiful children.
Wayne joined the United States Army in 1981 and served until 1990. After basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Wayne was stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois; Seoul, Korea; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Bamberg, Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1990 and afforded the opportunity to regain employment in the manufacturing industry.
Wayne was truly a man blessed with many gifts and talents. He had a great sense of humor as well as the ability to enhance the beauty of any home. His love for animals, nature and construction was phenomenal. Wayne was one of a few men who maintained culinary skills to prepare and cook wild game. He mentored several young men and taught them work skills to last a lifetime.
Wayne was loved by many. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Carol Sanders; two children, Tiara Sharrell Sanders and Ju'Wayne Richod Sanders of Rembert; six sisters and brothers, Thomas (Willie Mae) Sanders of Lugoff, Bennie Williams, Pastor Marie Sanders, Willie A. (Linda) Sanders and Myra Sanders, all of Rembert, and Valerie (Carl) Harris of Warrenton, Virginia; three grandchildren, Laurence Williams, Israel Macklin and Ja'Vionya Sanders; mother-in-law, Josephine Sanders; father-in-law, Sammie Taylor Sr.; brother-in-law, Minister Sammie (Michelle) Taylor Jr.; sister-in-law, Natalie Brevard Perry; one godchild, Johnnika Herbert; eight aunts, Margaret (Freddie) Davis of Mitchellville, Maryland, Mamie Dinkins, Steral (John) Singleton, Nancy Sanders, Laura Dinkins, Ann Workman of Rembert, Alberta (Johnny) Williams of Laurelton, New York, and Louise (Samuel) Graham of Sumter; one grandaunt, Edmonia Wade of Rembert; two uncles, Dosie Workman of Newark, New Jersey, and Edger (Emily) Sanders Sr. of Rembert; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 5756 TB Wright Road, Rembert.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday at Rafting Creek Baptist Church, 3860 S.C. 261 North, Rembert, with the Rev. Melvin Mack, pastor, presiding, and the Rev. William Sanders, eulogist.
The remains will be placed in the church at 11 a.m.
The funeral procession will leave at 11:20 a.m. from the home.
Burial will be at Rafting Creek Baptist Churchyard Cemetery.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
Online messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.