Fred Giles Sanders III, known to family and friends as Buddy, peacefully passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones, March 15, 2026, at the age of 79.
Fred was born on January 12, 1947, in Huntsville, Alabama and was a proud third-generation resident of Monte Sano Mountain. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from The University of Alabama in Huntsville in 1974. Fred honorably served his country in the United States Air Force, Navy, and retired as a Commander from the Navy Reserves. While serving in the Navy as an A-7 Corsair pilot he met and married his beloved wife of fifty years, Lynn Sanders. Fred devoted his professional life to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, supporting numerous projects including the development and documentation of the Neutral Buoyancy Simulator and various Space Telescope missions.
A man of many talents and interests, Fred was known for his creativity, craftsmanship, and witty humor. He and Lynn raised three children in his childhood home on Monte Sano Mountain. During this time, he built aircraft, restored classic Corvettes, and designed and constructed additions to his family home. He was also a gifted musician who enjoyed building, playing, and refurbishing banjos, violins, and violas. In the summer months, he could often be found fishing and tending to his vegetable garden.
Fred is survived by his wife, Lynnette G. Sanders; his children, Rebekah Sanders, MaryLynn Evans (Michael), and David Sanders; his grandchildren, Quillan and Olivia Perry, Truman and Sofie Bynum, and Elliott and Brinkley Sanders; and sisters, Suzanne S. Pratt (Dr. George) and Amy West (Steve). He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred G. Sanders Jr. and Mary Drake Sanders Hendricks (Evan).
Fred will be remembered for his nimble mind, strong work ethic, and generous heart. His hands were rarely still, and his mind was always creating. Though he has left this world, the strength of his presence remains unconquered in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him.
In lieu of an immediate service, the family will host a celebration of life later this year.
