
Gordon W. “Wayne” Saunders, 76, of Winnabow, beloved husband of Julia Ann Watson Saunders, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018.
Wayne was born Feb. 19, 1942, in New Hanover County, son of the late George E. Saunders and Adell B. Saunders Potter of Wilmington. He was one of four children; he was the oldest. His other siblings were Jerry R. Saunders (Betty), Carolyn, the late George E. Saunders II (Butch) (Kaye). Gordon married Julia A. Watson Saunders March 8, 1964, and they had five children, Linda G. Leadmen (Joe) of Winnabow, the late Gordon W. Saunders Jr. of Fayetteville, Charles E. Saunders of New Bern, Kimberly S. Burns (David) of Riegelwood and Timothy M. Saunders (Crystal) of Wilmington. Mr. Saunders had six grandchildren, Ashley E. Leadmen, Robert M. Leadmen III, Kayla L. Bell (Tony), Christopher A. Burns (Jessica), Joshua H. Burns and Greysen W. King; step-grandson, Bentley Beckworth; and five great-grandchildren who he loved and cherished so dearly, Kaydence, Sophia, Jas, Wade and Jake.
Mr. Saunders served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam veteran. Gordon was an avid hunter and fisherman, but also loved doing anything to help others out no matter the situation or the expense. He loved and wholeheartedly served the Lord for many years.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 24, at Wilmington Funeral Home with funeral services being held 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25, in the funeral home chapel. Burial, with military honors, will be held in Northwood Cemetery at a later date.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.