Ed Sanders Obituary

Edward Sanders

Mr. Sanders of Charlotte, age 88, died Sunday, December 26, 2010. He was born on May 1, 1922 in McCormick, SC.

Mr. Sanders is survived by his son, Doug Sanders and daughter-in-law, Lynn Sanders from Charlotte, NC; daughter, Sandy Sanders and son-in-law, Rick Gurunian, also from Charlotte, NC; and three grandsons, Sam Sanders, Jeff Sanders and Jimmy Mortimer.

Mr. Sanders served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and then returned to Greenville, SC to complete his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Furman University. He was a lifelong educator and advocate of human rights.

His career began at Central High School in 1951 where he taught history, served as the athletic director and then went on to become principal. It was during this time that he was instrumental in the peaceful and successful integration of Central High School. In the fall of 1959, Mr. Sanders opened Garinger High School and served as principal until 1971.

In 1974, Mr. Sanders played a major part in the successful execution of court-mandated busing requirements after much study and extensive planning. His career then expanded to area superintendent for the Charlotte Mecklenburg school system and then moved on to serve as the superintendent of the Darlington County school system in South Carolina. He and his wife, Jane Sanders were members of Covenant Presbyterian church since 1951 where he taught Sunday school for many years.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2010 at 11:00 at Covenant Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charlotte Humane Society, Covenant Presbyterian Church or Southminster Continuing Care Retirement Community.
Condolences may also be extended at www.harryandbryantfuneralhome.com.

Published in Charlotte Observer from December 27 to December 29, 2010