William Thomas Sanders

(Bill)

13th March 1935 - 7th February 2024

Bill Sanders passed away peacefully in his sleep on 7th February 2024 - at the age of 88.
Bill was born in Devon, then moved to Midlands in 1951 where he married Edith in 1957.  They retired to Devon in 1999.

They shared 63 years of a loving marriage raising two children, Carol and Diane, and becoming grandparents to Emma, Mark, Gemma and Chloe and Great-grandparents to Megan, Thomas, Harley, Ava-Rose, Grace, Nevaeh, Aubrey and Paisley.
Bill was acredited as a Methodist Local Preacher in 1967 and enjoyed preaching for over 50 years.  He was also a MAYC youth club leader in Birmingham for many years, a bellringer and a keen interest in drama.  He enjoyed playing cricket, tennis and in his younger years, rugby.

A celebration and thanksgiving service will be held on Friday 1st March 2024 at 12.30pm
at Chasetown Methodist Church, Burntwood, Staffordshire. WS7 4TL

(Service will be available online - see below)

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to:

The Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust (LWPT), an ecumenical charity which seeks to provide resources, support and information to preachers.

Donations can be made on the day or direct to LWPT

He will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

Memories

From: Nigel Sawrey-Cookson on 22/02/2024

I first met Bill when he returned to Devon in 1999. I stood next to him at first slip whilst he kept wicket for Lustleigh Cricket Club. He proudly told me he was, at that time, 64 years old. He loved the game and he loved the club. He played, he scored, he held committee meetings in his house and he taught juniors to play the game. He was all that is good in mankind.

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From: Lustleigh Cricket Club on 26/02/2024

Would like to convey how much we appreciate all that Bill and indeed Edith, did for Lustleigh Cricket Club; moreover, what a steadfast friend he was to everyone. All those spoken to at Lustleigh, whilst  expressing their sadness at the loss, have spoken very warmly of Bill and with gratitude for all he did for Lustleigh Cricket club.

For those in LCC Juniors club who are too young to have met Bill, they are aware of him because of the annual presentation of the Bill Sanders Cup to the Outstanding Player of the year. The cup was presented to Bill in recognition of his long service to the club, he then made it available to be presented on his behalf, to the outstanding junior club member of the year.

Over the years at LCC there had been  attempts to run sessions for juniors but it was Bill who in the early 2000’s started regular coaching evenings. These sessions were the foundation of what became LCC Juniors. This Juniors Club has been running ever since.  On behalf of all LCC members, thank you Bill.

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From: Anne Bryant nee Court on 28/02/2024

I have very happy memories of Bill as my Youth Club leader in Castle Bromwich in the 1960s. He was everyone's friend while we all still knew that he was the one in charge and not to be messed with! He was very supportive of my sister when she went to Germany on voluntary service under a Methodist scheme and he was still there supporting us all and helping when we came back to the church for my father's funeral in 1997. He will be fondly remembered.

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From: Mark Ashmore on 01/03/2024

On behalf of all members of the Drama group at Castle Bromwich Methodist Church, remembering all the productions, help and support that Bill was involved with we are all deeply thankful for your influence and the memories we have.

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From: Romain Burton on 01/03/2024

I had the privilege of caring for Bill when he moved to Carol and Steve's. He was a true gentleman and loved telling me about his work in the past. Sunday's were his favourite days. It was when I would help him to get his suit on. He would smile because he knew he was going to church. Handkerchief and polo's in his pocket.
RIP Bill. Love and condolences to Carol, Steve and family.xx

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From: Sue Davis on 01/03/2024

I only knew Bill for a short time as one of his carers.
Bill always Greeted me with a lovely smile and was always very thankful for my help.
He was always extra smiley when it was time for church and he always wore his church tie and looked very smart.
A genuine kind family
Rest in peace Bill
Love and hugs Sue xxx

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From: Carol Wallis Wilkins on 01/03/2024

"Diane, s Dad" .... Always a smile & a cheery word for all. I was lucky enough to have him give a talk at my wedding a mere 37 years ago now as well as providing me with my lift to the church. It was xtra kind of him as it would, VE been out of his comfort zone one would, VE thought with it being a Mormon wedding. He was very kind.
(All love & sympathy to Diane, Paul, Carol & family) x x

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