CSM (Ret.) Boswald Winford Sanders, 82, of Phenix City, AL and formerly from Jacksonville, Texas passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023. He was born March 14, 1941 and he was the son of late Oswald Winford Sanders and Elizabeth (Johnson) Berry. He was raised by his late grandmother, Mardella Lacy Johnson and his late aunt, Otha V. Johnson.
He attended Jacksonville Schools and graduated from Fred Douglass High School in 1959, where he was a standout football player and band member. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served 33 dedicated faithful years of service and obtaining the rank of CSM. He served several terms in Korean War, Vietnam War and Southwest Asia Gulf War. He retired in Fort Polk Louisiana in 1989. After relocating back home he served as Director of Housing Authority of the City Jacksonville, Texas. He also served as a Board Member of Austin Bank. Mr. Sanders was a devoted Deacon of North Bolton Street Christian Church until moving to Phenix City, AL in 2010 to be closer to his 5 daughter and grandchildren. CSM (Ret.) Sanders was still supportive and faithful supportive member to his home church.
He was married to Cornelia T. Sanders which he had 5 daughters. Later he married to Lola (Canady) Sanders. Both preceded him in death. He leaves to cherished memories in the hearts of his five daughters, Pamela Jo Sumrall-Young of Phenix City, AL, Jacquelyn (Johnny) Ware of Atlanta, GA, Toni Renee (Morris) Hill of Jonesboro, GA, Sharon Cuba of Smiths Station, AL, and Marian (Elvis) Greene of Columbus, GA; a devoted sister/cousin, Sue Alexander of Jacksonville, TX; a brother, Charles Berry of Jacksonville, TX; a sister, Sheila Berry of Jacksonville, TX; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and a host of caring nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and high school classmates and friends. In addition to his biological parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Howard Berry, his step-mother, Irene Sanders; his brother, Ronald Berry; and his special devoted aunt, Opal V. Jones.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Edgewood Hall, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907 on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 1:00PM with Full Military Honors. Pastor Lynn McManious will be officiating services. Family will visit with friends on Saturday afternoon from 12:00PM to 1:00PM. Burial will be held in Ragsdale Cemetery in Jacksonville, Texas with his immediate family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Sanders family.