William Edward Sanders

1943, in Henderson, Texas, to Jimmerson and Dovie Sanders. Bill was raised

in a home grounded in hard work and faith. He attended Henderson

Elementary School and Henderson High School. After attending high

school, in 1963, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the

United States Army, where he served honorably until 1969. Due to his skill

and discipline as a soldier, Bill was recognized as a rifle marksman. He began

his early work in the timber industry, laboring as a logger.

Soon afterwards, Bill settled in Houston, Texas, where he worked as a welder

at Wyatt’s Welding Company. In 1975, he married the love of his life, Bessie

Juanita Beasley, and together they built a life filled with dedication, family, and

faith. Their union was blessed in 1979 with the birth of their son, Timothy

Edward Sanders. Always ambitious, Bill sought to continue his education at

Houston Community College earning his certification in appliance repairs.

Known for his consistency and integrity, Bill worked at Keith’s Supply until

a single missed day of work cost him his job – a discomfiting experience that

led to a greater blessing in disguise.

With the unwavering support and encouragement of his wife Bessie, Bill took

a leap of faith. Bessie saw in Bill an uncanny gift for figuring out how

mechanical things were put together and how their principal parts were

designed to operate in symphony with each other. So, on May 18, 1982, they

channeled that gift into profit-making entrepreneurship and opened

Sanders & Sons Appliance Repairs, a business that has been steadily serving

the Houston community for 42 years. Through Sanders & Sons, Bill was able

to pass on his work ethic, his skills and his name to his sons.

Bill was a man of strength, quite humility, and unwavering love for his

family. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, faith, and service. He is

survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Bessie Juanita Sanders, and their four

sons: Jesse Carrington (children – Miracle and Charis); Michael Carrington;

wife Teri, (Children Andenshia, Tiera, Michael Jr., and Taylyn); Andre

Carrington, wife Vilma, (Children Tyra, Ashley, and Dominique); and

Timothy Sanders, wife Dayaisy, (Children Timothy II and Timaria).

He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Dorothy Jackson and a host of

great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his father and mother, Jimmerson and Dovie

Sanders; and his siblings – Ira B, Johnny, Clyde, Mabel, Sara, and Inez.

His life was a testimony of hard work, loyalty, and love. His hands were

always busy, his words were his bond, and his presence was a gift to all

who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to

live on through the family he built, the business he established and the

community he served.