Charles "Charlie" Allen Sanders

8 Feb. 1948 - 9 May 2024

Charlie Sanders, 76, of Lewisburg, TN, went home to the lord from his home in Belleville, MI surrounded by his wife, Elizabeth (Liz) Ann, his children and grandchildren on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Charlie was born February 8,1948 to Charlie and Elizabeth Sanders. He was one of six kids, Joyce (Lee) Nicholson, Norma (Randell) Cross, Ann (Dennis) Weber, Kenny (Liz) Sanders and preceded in death by David Sanders along with his parents Charlie and Elizabeth. He was raised by his grandparents George and Myrtle Hobby in Tennessee who also preceded in death, until he was 12 then moved to Michigan.

After completing school, Charlie joined the US Army in June 1967 as a plumber. After serving a tour of duty in Vietnam from May 1968 to December 1969, he was stationed in Baumholder, Germany. After completing his tour of duty, Charlie, now a Specialist 5 (E-5), left the military in July 1973 to return to Wayne, MI. After serving his country he lived in Alaska working on the pipeline for a few years before returning to Michigan, where he worked for both General Motors and Ford Motor Company along with numerous odd jobs he did along the way. After 28 years working for Ford, due to an injury on the job he retired, but his working days were far from over. Now came time for him to work on his "honey do list".

Charlie had met the love of his life in '99, Liz. They married December 14, 2001 and then again, on December 15, 2023 surrounded by friends and family in Belleville, MI, celebrating 22 wonderful years together. Charlie had two sons of his own, Robert (Brandie) Sanders, and was preceded in passing by his son Keith Sanders. Upon meeting Liz, he became a loving stepfather to Christina, Jessica and Jay Mitchell. As well as being a very special "Papa" to his 12 grandchildren, Nicole, Andrew, Christian, Leeann, Bella, Savanna, Saharah, Little Keith Sanders, Joslyn, Lillie-Ann, Reid Florian, and Jackson Kivi. Plus his little dog, Sunshine.

Charlie was a loving family man, and a great friend to many. He was a member of Rolling Thunder motorcycle club of Detroit and Vietnam Veterans of America # 310 of Ypsilanti. He attended and was an active member of The Belleville Lighthouse Church. He embraced the "Built Ford tough" slogan and was as tough as they come. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping but most of all he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. Charlie will be cremated and a celebration of his life will be held for his family, friends and community to attend on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at The Belleville Lighthouse Church officiated by Pastor Bob Lafferty, 870 Savage Road, Belleville, MI 48111. Doors open at 1 pm, service starting at 2 pm with lunch to follow.