Thomas Leroy Sanders

Dateline – Clinton, SC
Thomas Leroy Sanders of Clinton SC. Passed away peacefully on March 13th, 2014 at Hospice of Laurens County with his sons and grandson by his side.
He was born In Greer SC July 18, 1921, he lived in Lyman SC until he and his family moved to Clinton when he was a young teenage boy. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1940, and was one of the first drummers in the Clinton High School Band. Soon after graduation, he served in the United States Coast Guard during WWII as a Mounted Horseman patrolling the beaches at Beach Haven New Jersey for 18 months, and then served on a Destroyer Escort in the North Atlantic and North Pacific for the remainder of the war. After returning home, he started a furniture refinishing & upholstery business and was known for his wood carving talent, repairing and refinishing fine antique furniture for many years. He later worked and retired as Maintenance Supervisor /Purchaser for Laurens School District 55 for 15 years. Son Rick Sanders worked with his father there for many years as Assistant Maintenance Supervisor, and continues to work there today.
He had a keen interest in aviation, was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, serving as Squadron Commander for over 10 years, and served on the Laurens County Airport Commission in the late 1960s to mid- 1970s. He was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 174 of Clinton during the late 50s, early 60s, and influenced all of his sons through scouting. His youngest son was later a scout in Troop 111 of Clinton, and also served as a Cubmaster & Scoutmaster in Greenwood SC for over 12 years, and currently serves on the Long Cane District Executive Committee of Blue Ridge Council BSA. Grandson Stephen T Sanders of Greenwood SC became an Eagle Scout in 2009.
Mr. Sanders played the accordion as a young boy and continued to play throughout his life, and influenced his sons through his love of music. All of his sons studied music in college, two taught music for many years in S. C. Public Schools, and one performed professionally with touring bands and continues to perform today. All four of his sons were members of the 246th Army Band of the South Carolina Army National Guard, and three of his sons retired as members/senior NCOs of the band. Many of his grandchildren and great grandchildren are musically talented as well. One of his great grandsons is currently studying music at Newberry College.
He was married to his high school sweetheart, the late Clara Poole Sanders from 1942 until she passed away in 1980. Mrs. Sanders was the District Manager with Avon Cosmetics for over 20 years, and was recognized as a top producing manager with the company for many years. She was loved and well thought of by many people throughout the Upstate area.
Surviving are his three sons Thomas L. Sanders Jr. of Gilbert S.C, Richard M. Sanders of Clinton SC, and Timothy E. Sanders of Greenwood S.C. Son Steven M. Sanders was deceased in 1979. Also surviving are grandchildren Mark Sanders of Gilbert SC, Karen Green of Fountain Inn SC, Laura Riley of Columbia SC , Robbie Sanders of Columbia SC, Clara Sanders of Boston Mass, and Stephen T Sanders of Greenwood SC, and nine great grandchildren. Visitation will be at Gray Funeral Home in Clinton SC on Monday, March 17th from 3 to 5 pm. Funeral Services will follow at 5 pm in funeral home chapel. Following the service. graveside services will be held at Pinelawn Memory Gardens of Clinton.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Laurens County at P.O. Box 178, Clinton SC 29325.
Condolences may be expressed online www.grayfuneralhome.com
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton