David Fielding Sanders was born on September 4, 1942, in Albany, Georgia and left this earth to begin eternity with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ on May 16, 2026.

David was a man of few words, but many facets. And he will be remembered in many ways. Devoted husband. Loving and supportive father. Doting and caring grandfather. Fiercely loyal friend. Talented woodworker. Proud Army veteran. Successful entrepreneur. Generous supporter of people and causes he believed in. Gifted teacher. Steadfast student of the Scripture. Committed follower of Jesus Christ.

David’s early years were spent in cities around South Georgia and in Nashville, Tennessee. His family settled in Thomasville, Georgia where the things that would shape his adult life were firmly cemented. These included a love for family, a strong work ethic, and a quiet, but determined, ambition. He met the love of his life, Rose Clark, in junior high school. When David began driving and got his favorite car - a 1953 cream over brown Chevrolet Bel-Air Powerglide - he and Rose would spend time “dragging Broad” Street in downtown Thomasville, stopping for pool room hot dogs, going to his basketball games, and spending time with classmates, many of whom would become lifelong friends and some even business colleagues.

Upon graduation from Thomasville High School in 1960, he proposed to Rose, and then left for 33 months in the United States Army, and was stationed primarily in Tokyo, Japan. While in the Army, David served specifically in the Army Security Agency, a role of which he was very proud.

David worked for Sunnyland Farms in Thomasville, but his lifelong career in the water and wastewater industry began when he was hired for his first position with Davis Water & Waste Industries, Inc., also in Thomasville. He worked in various positions and received several promotions ultimately rising to National Sales Director with Davis until he left to begin what would become a very successful business of his own. That business, ultimately known as Sanders Company, Inc., endured nearly 50 years before David decided to sell the company to another in the industry and retire.

David became a Christian in 1973 after observing the example of prayer and commitment to Christ shown by his beloved wife, Rose, for many years. He often said that she pointed him to Jesus. And they are now rejoicing together in His presence. David was a committed and eager Christian and served as a Sunday School Teacher and a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for years. He served on numerous committees and supported the church in various ways. One major impact he had there came through teaching 8th grade boys Sunday School where he was able to show young men what it meant to be a Christian and a man of integrity in the world. It was at First Baptist that he developed a deep respect and love for God’s Word and for sharing it with others.

When David and Rose built their dream home and moved to Palm City Farms, Florida in 1984, one of their first priorities was to find a church home. Their search led them to Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church in nearby Stuart, Florida. Over the nearly 40 years they attended Covenant, David served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, and Elder in addition to other roles. One of the things David and Rose enjoyed the most at Covenant was teaching a Bible study for single adults. Many of the people from that Bible study have shared the multi-generational impact that David and Rose had on their lives.

After Rose’s death in 2021, David eventually fulfilled another dream of theirs and moved to North Carolina. His days there were filled with listening to his favorite Bible scholars, theologians, and

apologists to further his study of God’s Word. Gazing out his window and watching his favorite tree change with each new season. Enjoying the company of the many family and friends who visited him and could not leave without having their photo taken with “Rosie Bear.” Sitting on his deck enjoying the mountain views. And, above all, he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, Caroline, who lived in his downstairs apartment. His final days on this earth were filled with some struggles, but also, with happiness and a sense of peace.

Many stories from people who knew, and loved David have been shared since his passing. Stories of his quiet help and support given in times of need, his devotion to and fierce love for his family –those who were family by blood and the special people who were family by choice, his gift for understanding and teaching scripture, his selfless nature, his reputation as a gentle giant, as a quintessential southern gentleman evidenced in part by his use of unique catchphrases like “that dog won’t hunt.”

David is preceded in death by his wife, Rose Clark Sanders, whom he adored; his parents, Thomas Elgin “Pinkie” and Gladys Fordham Sanders; his sister Rosalyn Sanders Hagan and his brother-in law Harold Hagan. He is survived by his adoring daughters, Denisha Sanders Bonds (and Brian Scott Bonds), Alissa Rose Sanders Lee (and Joseph William Lee), and Kimberly Elizabeth Sanders. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Faith Rose Lee Stuart (and Craig Alton Stuart, Jr.), Caroline Grace Lee, and Joseph David Lee, all of whom he loved so very deeply.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate), Idols Aside Ministries in Lakeland, Florida (idolsaside.com), or Tunnel to Towers (t2t.org/donate). Additionally, gifts can be made to Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church at covenantfellowship.com or via check to 2880 SE Aster Lane, Stuart, Florida 34994.

A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on Friday, May 29th, at 6:00 p.m. at Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church, 2880 SE Aster Lane, Stuart, Florida.