Obituary

William E. Sanders, 69, of North Kingstown, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 21, 2012. He was the beloved husband of Virginia E. (Shaw) Sanders. Born in Knoxville, TN, he was the son of the late John P. Sanders and Mary E. (Robinson) Sanders.

Mr. Sanders was an Engineer with Carbon Technology, Inc. and a Materials Engineer with New Way Air Bearings Inc. of Aston, PA until his retirement in 2008. He was a graduate of the Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN and Emory University, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Physics. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1965-1969 as a pilot in Helicopter Squadron HS-11, operating from the aircraft carrier U.S.S. WASP, and stationed out of Quonset Point Naval Air Station.

He was an active member of Quidnessett Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He also served as President of the Board of Trustees at West Bay Christian Academy and was a member of the American Society of Quality Control Engineers.

Besides his wife of 42 years, he leaves his devoted children: Joseph N. Sanders and his wife Stephanie of Wallingford, CT, John A. Sanders of Orange, TX, Mary E. Sanders of Johnston, RI, William Benjamin Sanders and his wife Carrie of New York, NY, and Virginia Irene Chapman and her husband Anthony of Beer Sheva, Israel. He was the cherished grandfather of Joshua, Caleb, Noel, Jordan, Zebulun, Leora, Ryland, Boaz, and Halsey. He was the uncle of Rebecca Knepley, and brother of the late Barbara Sanders McCool.

His Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 11:00 am, at Quidnessett Baptist Church, 6356 Post Road, North Kingstown. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday, January 24th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD, 140 West Main Street, Wickford Village, North Kingstown.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to Quidnessett Baptist Church or to Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 will be appreciated.