Robert "Bob" Sanderson

HARRELLS — Mr. Robert “Bob” Osborn Sanderson, 92, of 2821 Tomahawk Hwy., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday afternoon, January 5, at 2 p.m. at Siloam Baptist Church, located on Tomahawk Highway in Harrells with Rev. Timothy Register officiating. The burial will be held privately.

Bob was born on December 9, 1926, in Magnolia to the late Leonard McCoy Sanderson and Minnie Southall Sanderson. He patriotically served in World War II as a Staff Sergeant. Following his time of service, Bob received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education from North Carolina State University in 1951. After graduation, he began his career as a vocational agriculture teacher for the Grantham School District. He later transferred to the Union School District in Sampson County where he remained until retirement. In addition to being an educator, he was also a farmer for 25 years.

Bob was very involved in his community both civically and politically. He served on numerous boards over the years, including the Sampson Regional Medical Center Board (1976-1996), the Sampson Community College Board (1996-2018), and the Rural Medical Center Board where he served as chairman. He was also a charter member of both the Four County Medical Center Board and the Harrells Volunteer Fire Department. Additionally, he served as Master of Franklin Grange for four years.  Bob had previously been the Franklin precinct democratic chairman and the chairman of the Democratic Men’s Club. He was inducted into the Sampson County Democratic Hall of Fame. 

Additionally, he was a member of Siloam Baptist Church for over 63 years where he served in various positions including Sunday school teacher and superintendent, deacon and chairman of the deacons, chairman of trustees, and a council member of the Eastern Baptist Association. Most notably, he was the church treasurer for 52 years.

Bob is survived by his two sons and their wives: Wayne Osborn Sanderson and wife Lynn Thornton Sanderson of Harrells; David Herbert "Herb" Sanderson and wife Sheila Tart Sanderson also of Harrells. Also, his three grandchildren: Andrew Wayne Sanderson of Surf City, NC; Hannah Sanderson Sinnott along with her husband Arthur Sinnott and children Mattox and Shelby of Harrells, NC; and Carrie Gray Sanderson Parker and husband Dr. Anthony Parker and daughter Madalyn Gray of Edmond, OK.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Betty Gray Melvin Sanderson as well as his parents and seven siblings: L.M. Sanderson, Jr., Elizabeth Brantley, Louise Saunders, John W. Sanderson, Ruth Luck, Hugh Sanderson, and Baxter Sanderson.

The family will receive guests after the service on Saturday, January 5, in the Parlor Room of Siloam Baptist Church in Harrells.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Siloam Baptist Church at P.O. Box 110, Harrells, NC 28444.

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Sanderson Family.

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