William Gray Saunders

AVENTON - William Gray Saunders, age 85, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 10, 2014. Born in Nash County on September 12, 1928, he was the son of the late John Andrew Saunders and Mary Mohorn Saunders. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Edna Albinson and brothers, John M. Saunders and Jim R. Saunders. Gray served his country in the United States Air Force in Neubiberg, Germany during the Berlin Air Lift. He was a lifelong member of Fishing Creek Baptist Church where he also served on the Board of Deacons. Gray also served on the Board of Directors of the Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department. His life was spent operating the family farm in Aventon. He was a devoted family man and took great pleasure, in his later years, spending time with his grandchildren and family. He leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Jane Edwards Saunders; daughters, Tara Parker of Swansboro and Melanie Lucero and husband Mark of Aventon; sons, William Dorsey Saunders and wife Anne Marie of Aventon and Jay Saunders and wife Laurie of Winterville; grandchildren, Grayson Parker, Hannah Lucero, Logan Lucero, Olen Lucero, Jackson Saunders and Sam Saunders. He will also be remembered by his sisters, Mary Louise Journigan Atkins and Peggy S. Harris, both of Aventon, and Jackie Griffin of Red Oak; brother, Bennie M. Saunders of Burlington; and many loving nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends and relatives 6:00pm to 8:00pm Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A service to remember William Gray will be held at 2:00pm Sunday at Fishing Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Griffin officiating. Burial will follow at Red Oak Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fishing Creek Baptist Church, 15150 Avent Road, Whitakers NC 27891. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Saturday 7/12, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Service Location Not Available Sunday 7/13, 2:00 pm Cemetery