Thomas Sanders

Thomas LeRoy Sanders, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on September 28, 2025. He was 80 years old. 

Born on January 14, 1945, in Clinton, SC he was the oldest of four sons of Thomas Leroy Sanders, Sr. and Clara Poole Sanders. Mr. Sanders graduated from Clinton High School 1963 and Newberry College in 1967, with a BA in Music Education, and pursued further studies at University of Tennessee in Knoxville and Western Carolina University. He began his career as a band director at Whitmire High School, when he was a sophomore in college and then moved to Hickory Tavern High School from 1966 – 1968. In 1968, he became the band director at Batesburg- Leesville High School and Middle School, a position he would hold until 1980, growing the band to over 200 members. Following his tenure with the school system, Mr. Sanders worked as a financial advisor, contracting with Franklin Life, Mutual Trust Life, and Jackson National Insurance Company, among others until his retirement.

A talented musician, Mr. Sanders fulfilled his duty to his country by entering the 246 National Guard Army Band, playing tenor saxophone alongside his three brothers. He retired from the Army Band in 1992 but continued to play the saxophone with various bands around South Carolina and for pleasure until illness made him unable to play.

Mr. Sanders was a small plane pilot and as a teenager would work for flying lessons at Greenwood Airport. It was always his dream to live on an airstrip where he could take off, land, and watch planes from his front porch. He realized this dream when he developed Gilbert International Airpark, a private airpark community in Gilbert, SC.

Mr. Sanders was a believer in Christ and was a long-time member of Leesville United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Batesburg-Leesville Lions Club and the American Legion.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Steven Michael Sanders and Richard Mack Sanders. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Rosemary Ringer Sanders whom he met at Newberry College in 1962. He is also survived by his daughter Laura Sanders (Tripp) Riley of Columbia, two grandsons, Thomas Arman Riley and Nathan Anderson Riley, and his brother Timothy Edward Sanders of Greenwood.

The family will have a small private service at a later date and would like to express thanks to Shayna Davis, Mr. Sanders’ caregiver, and Agape Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory, 140 Stoneridge Drive, Suite 210, Columbia, SC 29210.