Lewis Tillman Sanders

Lewis Tillman Sanders, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his residence in Northport, Alabama, on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the age of eighty-six, surrounded by his family.

Lewis was born on December 28, 1939, in Union, South Carolina, to Preston Eugene Sanders Sr. and Mae Ola Ivey Sanders. Lewis grew up alongside his three brothers, the four of whom were affectionately known as the ‘Sanders’ boys.’ He attended Jonesville High School before enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served his country for four years as an aircraft mechanic aboard the USS Hancock. On June 14, 1959, Lewis married Hazel Fincher Sanders, with whom he shared sixty-seven years of marriage. Together, they built a loving home and raised their two children, Ronald Sanders and Kimberly Sanders Smith. Above all, Lewis cherished his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family will forever remember him for his kindness, patience, compassion, honesty, and unwavering love for his Lord and Savior.

Following his service in the United States Navy, Lewis began his twenty-year career with Milliken & Company in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he started by cutting grass and, through hard work and determination, rose to the position of plant manager. He and his family later relocated to Tuscaloosa, where he served as plant manager at J.D. Cahill Company, Inc., for twenty-three years before retiring. Throughout his career, Lewis was known for his exceptional work ethic and his commitment to treating those who worked alongside him with fairness and respect. Beyond his professional career, Lewis was an active member of Five Points Baptist Church in Northport and enjoyed participating in several local bowling and church softball leagues. An accomplished bowler, Lewis won numerous tournaments and received many awards throughout the years, including recognition for bowling multiple perfect 300 games.

Those who knew Lewis will remember him for his warm smile, quick wit, and undeniable sense of humor. He found great joy in his many hobbies, including gardening, woodworking, crafting, and baking. Lewis often gifted his handcrafted wooden bowls to friends and family and happily fulfilled requests for his decadent layered chocolate cake. An avid animal lover, Lewis cherished the many pets who shared his home throughout the years. He was also fondly known by residents of the Northwood Forest/Lake neighborhood as the “dog whisperer,” as his four-legged friends rarely missed an opportunity to stop by for a visit during their daily neighborhood walks.

Lewis was preceded in death by his father, Preston Eugene Sanders Sr.; his mother, Mae Ola Ivey Sanders; and his three brothers, Preston Eugene “Slim” Sanders Jr., Richard Haskell “Red” Sanders, and Henry Pagen “Hank” Sanders. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Hazel Fincher Sanders of Northport; his two children, Ronald Sanders (Mary Jean) of Coker and Kimberly Sanders Smith of Northport; his two grandchildren, Jennifer Sanders Guzewicz (Brian) of Northport and Caroline Smith of Tuscaloosa; and his four great-grandchildren, Aiden Guzewicz, Emaly Guzewicz, Collin Guzewicz, and Natalie Smith.

A celebration of life honoring Lewis will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, located at 3802 Watermelon Road, Northport, Alabama 35473. Visitation with the family will immediately follow the service, with a private burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Hank Eaves, Aiden Guzewicz, Brian Guzewicz, Steve Parker, Richard Sanders, and Rick Sides.

Flowers may be sent to Sunset Funeral Home at the address listed above. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Five Points Baptist Church, located at 3718 36th Street, Northport, Alabama 35473, or to the BrightFocus Foundation in support of Alzheimer's disease research. Five Points Baptist Church may be contacted at (205) 339-3220, and donations to the BrightFocus Foundation may be made online at https://donate.brightfocus.org/adr/donate.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into your rest.”

Matthew 25:21