Gerald C. Sanders

Gerald C. Sanders passed away peacefully on November 16, 2015. He was born in Fieldale, Virginia on August 3, 1940, to Gerald F. and Ruth Lyons Sanders. He was a resident of Cary, North Carolina and grew up in Fieldale, Virginia. He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy in 1958, and attended the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. He married Shirley Joyce Sanders on May 1, 1959.

Gerald, better known as “Gary” and “Hawkeye” to close friends and family, was a Federal employee, and held the position of Director of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in Research Triangle Park, prior to retirement. He was a dedicated family man, and an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors and traveling to new places. He also had a passion for NASCAR racing.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Shirley Joyce Sanders of 56 years and his four children, Kim Sanders- Shoemaker, Michelle Gallagher, Kevin Sanders, Paul Sanders and nine grandchildren. His grandchildren adored and loved him, affectionately known as “Papa.”

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams Street, Apex, NC 27520 on Friday, November 20, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to Fork Union Military Academy, (Attn: Alumni & Giving), P.O. Box 278, Fork Union, VA 23055 (www.forkunion.com). Online condolences may be sent to www.apexfuneral.net.