Larry James Saunders

VIRGILINA Larry James Saunders, Sr., 71, of Virgilina, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born to parents Charlie Thornton and Willie Blanch Saunders on April 30, 1950, in Nathalie, along with seven brothers and sisters. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he returned to Halifax after serving for 5 years to start a career with ABB in South Boston, where he later retired. His proudest accomplishment was being a loving father and grandfather. Larry married Linda, the love of his life, in 1992, who preceded him in death.He is survived by his daughter, Toni Saunders; son, Jamie Saunders and wife Amy; son Kirby Saunders; step-daughter Wendy Brooks and husband Saunders; step-son Sammy Wilson and wife Laura; and a host of grandchildren and step-grandchildren. In addition to his children and step-children, he is survived by brothers Clyde Saunders, Roger Saunders and wife Bunny; and his sisters Betty and husband Gene Lloyd, Linda Martin and late husband Sonny, Jean and husband Billy Lee;sister-in-law Laverne Saunders, and brother-in-law Tony Tuck. He is predeceased by his parents, his wife, Linda Church Saunders; his brother Richard Saunders, his sister Connie Tuck, and step-daughter Cheryl Deal. He was raised on a tobacco farm where he learned the importance of hard work at an early age. Larry was a devoted Christian, father, step-father, grandfather, and step-grandfather in addition to an avid outdoorsman. His passion for crappie fishing was only overshadowed by his love for God, wife, children, and family. Later in life, he was led to grace and salvation by his wife, Linda, and served humbly as a deacon at Florence Avenue Baptist Church for a number of years. He had a fond love for the mountains and tinkering on cars. His beloved and indestructible red 82’ Chevrolet Chevette is likely still around somewhere. He spent his last remaining years in Virgilina surrounded by a community, family, and friends whom he loved immensely. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Florence Avenue Baptist Churh. The family asks that you please consider a donation to Florence Avenue Baptist Church (9629 NC Highway 96, Oxford, NC), in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.brookslyon.com. The family is being served by Brooks Lyon Funeral and Cremation Services, 115 Main Street, South Boston, VA.