Col. Walter L. "Bud" Sanders

Col. Walter L. Sanders, known to family and friends as “Papa” or “Bud” passed away at the age of 85 on July 13, 2022 from pancreatic cancer. He will be deeply missed by his loving, devoted and faithful wife of 57 years Nancy Marie (Reiter) Sanders. Bud Sanders was born July 31, 1936 in Hartsville, SC but called Norfolk, Virginia home.

He attended Maury High School where his love of the military began in 1954 when he joined the ROTC program. During this time, he was also a two-time Virginia State Individual Wrestling Champion. He went on to attend Virginia Tech on a wrestling scholarship and won the Southern Conference Collegiate Championship in 1960. He graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Continuing his commitment to the Marine Corp, after college he went to Officer Candidate School and then flight school in Pensacola earning his wings in 1963. He served in the Vietnam War from 1965-1966 with the HMM-361 Combat Helicopter Squadron where he earned multiple awards including the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Purple Heart, two Meritorious Service Medals and nine Air Medals. A helicopter he flew in Vietnam now resides in the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, VA. While serving in the Reserves, Bud commanded two aviation units, one being HMA-773, and two ground units before his retirement. He was called back to active-duty during Desert Storm in 1991. He retired on July 31, 1996 after 38 years of distinguished service.

While serving in the Reserves, Bud was a pilot with Eastern Airlines for 23 years, a Captain on both the DC-9 and Boeing 727. During this time, he also earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence and practiced law in Decatur, GA. In 1990 he moved to Lake Oconee, GA, and was elected and served as a Commissioner for Greene County from 1996 to 2012. In 2014 he and Nancy moved to Greenville, SC to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Bud loved running and completed over 29 Peachtree Road Races and 18 Marine Corps Marathons. He also enjoyed hiking and traveling and most recently taking classes in the OLLI program at Furman University. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Bud rarely missed attending a celebration or an event and took every opportunity to participate in their lives. He will be remembered by his family for being dedicated, forthright, and hard-working but the greatest memories are of him as a loving husband, father and Papa. Bud also leaves behind a legacy that values family, commitment, and patriotism.

Bud is survived by his wife of Greenville, SC; his daughter Christina Grant of Greenville, SC; his daughter Kimberly Mitchem (Dave) of Salem, SC; and his daughter Suzanna Sanders Pruitt (Dennis Alan Pruitt Jr.) of Greenville, SC; his grandson Christopher Grant of Greenville, SC, his grandson Michael Charles Mitchem (Kateland Satterfield Mitchem) of Easley, SC, his granddaughter Emily Mitchem Ercolano (Emilio) of Charlotte, NC, his granddaughter Teresa Marie Pruitt and his granddaughter Adelle AvaGrace Pruitt both of Greenville, SC.

A visitation for Bud will be held Tuesday, July 26, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive, 311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 PM. A military committal service will begin at 3:00 PM at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery, 140 Inway Drive, Anderson, SC 29621.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the McCall Hospice House located in Simpsonville, SC or to Upstate Warrior Solution of Greenville, SC.

Semper Fi Papa – We love you and will miss you!!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Sanders family. Please do not share on social media at this time.