Wayne "Bird Dog" Sanders

Mr. Theron Wayne “Bird Dog” Sanders, 76, of Hartwell, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at his home.

Born on February 17, 1949 in Royston GA, he was the son of the late George Sanders and Ruby Adams Sanders. Mr. Sanders was a retired forklift operator for Monroe/Tenneco Automotive and a member of the Price Chapel Church of God. He was also a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne, where he also received a Purple Heart.

Survivors include two daughters: Kristy Vassar (Bryan) of Hartwell and Keri Sanders of Murrayville GA; a sister: Shirley Moon of Hartwell; three grandchildren: Demron Glass, Tyler Vassar and Hannah Duck (Trey) and a great-granddaughter: Layla Duck also survives.

Mr. Sanders was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Rose Maria Alewine Sanders; two brothers: Verdell Sanders and Huel Sanders and three sisters: Sula Wood, Geneva Suddeth and Edna Peyton.

The family will receive friends Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Price Chapel Church of God. Other times the family will be at their respective homes.

Funeral services for Mr. “Bird Dog” Sanders will be Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Price Chapel Church of God with Rev. Tony Franks officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Royston GA.

Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to Price Chapel Church of God, 687 Providence Church Rd, Lavonia, GA 30553.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements