Harvey G. Sanders, Jr., of Greenville, S.C., passed from this life on Saturday, December 1, 2018, after a long period of decline. He was born on November 19, 1936, in McCormick, S.C., to Harvey G. Sanders, Sr., and Sue Lee Sanders. Following graduation from McCormick High School, Harvey received a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina in 1957. He then received his law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1960, and, in the same year, was admitted to practice in the US District Court, District of South Carolina and the US Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. Harvey’s legal career spanned 58 years, the majority as a partner with Leatherwood, Walker, Todd and Mann and the last few years as a partner with Smith, Moore, Leatherwood. His true calling was the law with his efforts focused primarily on business transactions and business litigation. He argued numerous cases in the US Federal Court and before the South Carolina Supreme Court. Harvey was a passionate advocate for his clients, a trusted advisor and a zealous but fair opponent.
The professional and community contributions of Harvey Sanders were numerous. Among them were Editor of the USC Law Review, 1958-59; Member, Executive Committee and Legal Counsel of the Miss SC Pageant, 1965-1995; President of the Greenville Jaycees, 1966-67; Named to Hall of Fame of Greenville Jaycees, 1987; President of the Greenville Literacy Association, 1969-70; Board of Directors Greenville Chamber of Commerce, 1967 and General Counsel, 1976-78; Carolina Scholars Scholarship Selection Committee, 1975-80; President, Greenville Country Club, 1979; and Board of Directors of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, 2000-2007.
Beyond his professional life, Harvey was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and mentor. For a number of years he served as a deacon of Pendleton Street Baptist Church, taught a college Sunday School class and coached the youth basketball team. Harvey’s passion for the law was rivaled by his love of golf, a love which led to travel far and wide with friends and family. The ultimate perfectionist, he was always trying to groove that golf swing just a little bit better.
Harvey was first married to Barbara L. Sanders, who predeceased him on December 23, 1998. Harvey is survived by his wife, Nancy Sanders, and his daughter Suzanne Sanders Putnam (Ken) and sons Harvey G. (Bert) Sanders III (Beth) and Barry Langley Sanders (Becky). He is also survived by his grandchildren Heidi P. Madrid (Ryan), Heather P. Oliver (Paul) and Holli P. Mitchell (Donny), Lily Jing Sanders, Iris Elizabeth Sanders, John Roddy (Jack) Sanders, and Alexandria Langley Sanders. Harvey’s sister, Ann S. Wilson, survives him. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Sherri R. Guin (Tim), Pamela R. Frey (Tom), and David M. Roper (Cynthia), who brought him great laughter and joy.
A service of memory and celebration will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018, at 3:00 pm, at First Baptist Church, 847 Cleveland St., Greenville, SC. A reception and time of visitation will immediately follow at the Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to The National Alzheimer Association.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at MackeyMortuary.com.
