Wallace Terrell Sanders passed away January 15th surrounded by family. He was born April 4th, 1941 to James Harold Jr. and Rubye Sanders. He graduated from Eva High School in 1959 where he began his basketball career. He played baseball and basketball at Snead Junior College and continued his basketball career at Florence State University (UNA). Most commonly known as “Coach”, Wally was a pillar of The Decatur community and surrounding areas. He was a prominent member of his church, Austinville Methodist. He was head basketball coach at both Union Hill (1964-1972) and Brewer (1972-1979). Wally served in leading administration roles at Cotaco, and West Morgan High School. Lastly, and possibly the most impactful stent of his long career was when he served as the Head Basketball Coach at Decatur High School from 1984-1999. It was during this time that he was able to coach both of his sons, Hal and Kirk through their high school basketball careers. His love and commitment to Decatur didn’t stop there as he continued to support and coach his grandkids as they played basketball, baseball, football and cheered for the Red Raiders. It was almost impossible to go to a game and not see Wally and his wife, Beth in the stands. Throughout his coaching career, Wally took all three of his schools, Union Hill, Brewer, and Decatur to the state tournament. But it wasn’t all the wins that kept him going, it was the players. He loved the connection he had with his players and students throughout the years and they continued to make an impact on his life well beyond his coaching years. He was inducted to the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame. Aside from his love of basketball, Wally had a deep appreciation for his hometown of Eva, Alabama where he created a space for friends and family to enjoy together at his “farm.” The Farm is where many Alabama games were watched, Sunday school parties were enjoyed, Thanksgiving gatherings with Georgia family were celebrated, special weekends were spent with his sisters, and annual Sanders’ hayrides were held. It was also home to his bee farm, Rednectar Honey. Wherever you may know him from, whether it was from the opposing bench, church, Funland Carpet Golf, on the softball field with the Stovall Marks team, or even through bumping into him at Jack’s or Bojangles during one of his early morning coffee gatherings, there’s no doubt you were impacted by Wally.
Wally met his wife, Beth at Florence State University where she cheered him on as a player and then throughout his coaching career. Per Beth, the first thing he said to her on their first date was “now I’m not looking to get married or anything.” They married in 1964 and continued to have a loving and admirable marriage with faith, family, and basketball in the center.
Wally is survived by his wife, Beth Sanders; sons Hal Sanders (Pam) and Kirk Sanders (Christy); sisters Dora Woodard and Sue Miller (Cecil); grandchildren Joe Sanders (Savanna), Ella Sanders, Trey Ayers, and Sarah Sanders. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Harold Jr. and Rubye Sanders; Sister, Patsy Rea and Brothers-in-law; Robin Rea, Russell Woodard and Darrell Woodard.
The visitation will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home on Friday, January 20th from 4pm to 7pm. The Memorial Service officiated by Wally’s Niece, Jaina Glaze, will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home on Saturday, January 21st at 11:00 am with visitation one-hour prior. Burial to follow Memorial service at Hamby’s Chapel, Eva, AL.
A special thanks to Dr. Stephen Harbin, as well as the amazing staff and nurses at NHC, Moulton. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Decatur Youth Services Sports, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Boys and Girls Club of Morgan County.
Something that has helped the family through this difficult time has been hearing stories of Wally. Many of these stories are ones they have never heard before and has brought immense joy and laughter. If you have any stories about Wally, please share them with the family. Stories and memories may be shared at www.roselawnfhandcemetery.com for the Sanders family to enjoy.
