HM1 Elmer “Sandy” Sanders, USN (Ret.), age 101, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. His passing came just one week shy of his remarkable 102nd birthday.
Born on October 5, 1923, in the Vanntown Community, Sandy was the son of the late Tom C Sanders and Laura Farmer Sanders. He was a graduate of Elora School and attended Drake Tech Trade School.
Known to his Navy comrades as “Doc,” PO1 Sanders proudly dedicated 23 years of service to the United States, including his time in World War II. His distinguished naval career saw him traverse the globe, serving in over 40 countries on numerous vessels, including the USS Enterprise and the USS Macon. After retiring as a Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer First Class, he transitioned to civilian life, owning and operating H&S Appliance Repair in Huntsville.
A man of quiet strength and profound commitment, Sandy was a passionate Alcoholics Anonymous advocate and exceptionally proud of his almost 49 years of cherished sobriety. He was raised in the Vanntown Community and was baptized at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, a landmark his family helped build.
Above all, Sandy loved his family dearly, with a special joy for being a grandpa. He was blessed with almost 102 years of a sharp mind and body, allowing him to spend precious time with his loved ones.
Sandy is survived by his beloved wife, Wilma Sanders; sons, Karl (Patsy) Sanders and Robert (Connie) Sanders; and his daughter-in-law, Carolyn Sanders Bohm. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Captain Curtis (Tracy) Sanders, Oregon Army National Guard, David Sanders, Wayne (Angie) Sanders, Johnny Lynn Sanders, Jason Sanders, Gina (Wayne) Hendon, Tonya Sanders Layne, Laura Kirby, Jim Williams, and Sarah Sutphin. Sandy is also survived by his brother, Mac (Barbara) Sanders; his sister, Glenda (late Bill) Chamblee; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Sandy was preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Aline Sanders; his son, David Sanders; his grandson, Jimmy Sanders; his brothers, Fred Kermit Sanders, Palmer “Jim” Sanders, and Earl Sanders; and an infant sister, Aline Sanders.
A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Higgins Funeral Home, with his grandson, Captain Curtis Sanders, OR Army National Guard, officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 12 PM until the time of the service at Higgins Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for a charity that was near to Sandy’s heart, the Alcoholics Anonymous Huntsville Group, 1407 Memorial Pkwy NW, Ste. 9, Huntsville, AL 35811.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of HM1 Elmer “Sandy” Sanders, USN (Ret.).
