Ronald Douglas Saunders, 79 of Shelby departed this life at Wendover Hospice on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

He was the son of the late Lee and Ruby Brooks Saunders. He was born in Charlotte on August 31, 1944. He was a graduate of West Mecklenburg High school. Ron worked for Southern Bell for 29 years, and in the years that followed for many other communication companies such as Raychem and Charles Industries. Working in these companies allowed him to fulfill his greatest hobby- travel. He spent many months improving communications in the islands of Aruba, Curacao, Jamaica, and in 22 other Caribbean island nations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Douglas Todd Saunders, his brother, David Saunders, and his sister, Rita Saunders Arnette. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws Jim and Anne Williams. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sara Williams Saunders. Also surviving is his daughter Kimberle Saunders Lee and her husband Daniel Lee, his granddaughter Dr. Jessica Lee Zimmerman and her husband Max, and his granddaughter Chelsea Katelyn Lee. He is also survived by his sister Marge Hudson and her husband, Philip and his brother Tim Saunders and his wife Linda. Additionally, he is survived by his brother-in law Monty Williams and his wife Wanda and as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ron was known for his devotion to his community. He was a member of Masonic Lodges in Charlotte, Hendersonville, and Shelby. He also was active in the Shelby and Hendersonville Shriners Club. He assisted in raising funds for many burned and crippled children. In addition to these activities, he also assisted with FISH program in Hendersonville, which provided transportation for elderly and underprivileged . His many loves included gardening, particularly growing tomatoes and cutting grass. In his later years he spent the majority of his time traveling with his beloved wife, Sara. They visited 48 of the 50 United States as well as many of the islands of the South Pacific, Caribbean, and many of the European countries. They enjoyed meeting new people and having new experiences.

Ron was a member of Surfside United Methodist Church in Surfside Beach, SC and Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Shelby.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 3:00 at the Cecil Burton Chapel with receiving of friends an hour prior to the service.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford 600 College Street Oxford, NC 27565, or Shriners Children's Hospital 950 West.Farris Rd. Greenville, SC 29605

Online condolences can be made at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is compassionately serving the family.