William “Bill” Sanders, Jr. passed away on May 23rd, 2020 in Prattville, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his late father, Dr. Bill Sanders, Sr. of Prattville.
Bill, Jr. is survived by his loving Mother (Alta Mary Sanders) two siblings (Kirk and Andrew), two daughters, Louanne Sanders Owens (Nate Owens) and Mary Lillian Sanders Buxton (Grey Buxton) along with three Grandchildren; Amzie, Nellie and Crosby (Owens).
Bill was an accomplished artist, woodsman, outdoorsman, “Triple Canopied” US Army Green Beret (CAPT) with the 20th Special Forces Group as well as an accomplished businessman. He graduated from
Huntingdon College with a BA in History and attended the Pratt Institute Art school in New York city for two years. Some of his artwork is on permanent display at the Arts Students League Gallery in New York city. Most notably; his painting of “An Old Woman With Pearls”.
In addition, he spent two summers studying classical art in Les Cerqueuxsous-Passavant in Maine-et-Loire, France. His first successful artwork and limited print edition was an egg tempera painting of an Alabama wild turkey which was selected as the first “wildlife stamp” for the State of Alabama. During his service in the military, Bill served his country with distinction as an Army Ranger and Green Beret in the US Army Reserves (20th SFG) and reached the rank of Captain. Bill was a loving and generous son, brother, father, grandfather, husband and friend. He was a silent benefactor and quietly helped many without ever confessing his assistance to others. He was an avid reader of history and the Bible. He kept his enduring faith in his heart and carried it with him in unspoken ways.
Known for his gregarious nature, his sense of humor, his boisterous laugh, his playfulness, his honesty and his intelligence, he exuded confidence in his affairs, excelled in his business and had a giving and warm heart. To those who knew him, they understood he lived his life on his own terms and without fear. He had an unbridled passion for life, the outdoors, hunting, art, his family and his Christian faith. He had a “trademark style” and he could always be recognized by his Carhart overalls, and black Army Ranger Tshirt.
He adored his family and friends. His daughters and grandchildren were the pride of his existence and his love was boundless. Often, a man of few words when it came to emotional things, those who knew him well, knew what kindness, warmth and love was within him.
Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville is in charge of the arrangements.
