Dr. Gerald Eugene Sanders

August 29, 1938 – May 25, 2025

Dr. Gerald Eugene Sanders, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, in Kennesaw, Georgia, surrounded by those who loved him. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Kennesaw First Baptist Church with Rev. Perry Fowler officiating. He will be interred at Colston Branch Baptist Church cemetery in Bamberg, South Carolina during a private family committal service at a later date.

Born on August 29, 1938, in Bamberg, South Carolina, to Guy & Mary Sanders, Gerald lived a life defined by service, integrity, and joy. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he rose to the rank of Colonel. As a flight surgeon during the Vietnam War, he cared for his fellow servicemen and women with compassion and courage, embodying the very best of what it means to serve.

A proud graduate of Erskine College in Due West, SC, Gerald went on to earn his MD and became a founding member of the Marietta Eye Clinic, where he helped countless people see the world more clearly—both literally and figuratively.

Faith was the cornerstone of Gerald’s life. He and Paula worshipped together at Kennesaw First Baptist Church, where they built deep friendships and lived out their shared values of love, grace, and kindness.

Gerald loved the simple joys in life: cheering for the Atlanta Braves and the Clemson Tigers, working with his hands on his woodworking, and especially spending time on the water. Lake Lanier and Lands End, SC were a second home with his boats, and the memories made on the family houseboat—filled with laughter, storytelling, and generations of love—will be cherished forever.

He was a man who made everyone feel welcome. His humor was warm and quick, his work ethic unmatched, and his love for people endless. He was loyal, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his family and friends. To his children and grandchildren, he was a role model. To his community, he was a quiet leader. To all, he was a steady presence of strength and love.

Gerald is survived by his sons, Gerald Eugene Sanders, II and Kane James Sanders; daughter, Stephanie Sanders Selig & husband Blake; step-daughter, Tammy Pucciano & husband Tommy; grandchildren, McKenzie Selig, Ansley Selig, and Parker Selig; step-grandchildren, Lilly Austin, Ella Kate Pucciano, Jack Pucciano, Henry Pucciano, and Reese Pucciano; caregiver and friend, Cory Price. Gerald is preceded in death by his loving wife Paula Sanders.

Gerald’s legacy is one of faith, family, and a life lived fully—with purpose, humility, and service. We’ll carry his stories, his laughter, and his love with us always. And every time we see boats out on the water, we’ll think of him—and smile.

In Lieu of flowers please make a donation in Colonel Gerald Eugene Sanders name to either the Tunnel of Towers Foundation at https://t2t.org/ or to The Wounded Worriers Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/