Gary Sanders, Sr., man of God and hardworking Hart County native died at his home on October 12, 2009. Mr. Sanders was born on March 26, 1941. He was the son of Mozelle Sanders Sanders and Cleo Sanders of Hartwell. Mr. Sanders was Pastor of Freedom Baptist Church for several years and was recently guest preacher at local revivals and churches. Mr. Sanders considered sharing the Word of God with others as his greatest accomplishment in life. In addition to being an ordained minister, Mr. Sanders worked for Monroe Auto Equipment Company, Dow Bodische, Winn-Dixie and Wal-Mart. At Monroe, Mr. Sanders coached and led the softball team to many victories, titles and trophies over the years. Mr. Sanders retired from Winn-Dixie after 27 years and most recently, Mr. Sanders was awarded employee of the month of April and celebrated 15 years with the local Wal-Mart store.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Seymour Sanders of the home; children, John Anthony Sanders of Atlanta, Gary Sanders, Jr. of Hartwell, Amy Sanders Cunningham and her husband James of Seattle, Wash. Grandchildren include: Brittany Nicole Sanders, Katlyn Miranda Sanders, Elizabeth Jane Sanders, Grant Snyder Cunningham, Claire Celesta Cunningham and Benjamin Hans Cunningham.He is also survived by brothers Collier Sanders, of Griffin Ga., Hollis Sanders, of Grayson Ga., Dennis Sanders of Hartwell, Ga. and Terry Sanders of Arkansas. His brothers and sisters that have passed on include: Dorothy Sanders Smith, Broughton Sanders, Susan Sanders Moore and Stanley Sanders.

Funeral services will be Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Wesley Dove officiating.Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

The body is at the Strickland Funeral Home – Hartwell Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday night.The family is at the home.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Radio Bible Hour, PO Box 99 Newport, Tenn. 37822-0099.