Mr. Charles Edward Sanders

Tuesday May 10, 2016, the world lost an incredible man, but heaven gained a beautiful angel. Charles "Charlie" Edwards Sanders, 80, of High Springs, Fl was a devoted husband of 62 years to his wife, Helen, a loving father to his daughters, Alice Odom, and Pam Goff-Sanders and loved his son in laws Gary Odom and Gary Goff as the sons he never had. He was a proud grandfather of Tiffani Harris (Kevin), Tara Martinez (Peter) Brad Goff and Amber Alexander, Great Grandfather to DaSani, Jada, MaKinzi, Malakai and Silas, and so much more to so many others. Above all, he was a devout Christian who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you've ever had the privilege of meeting him, then you know why he was loved by so many.
He was born in Dothan, Alabama July 8, 1935 to James "Dewey" Sanders and Winnie Lee Riley-Sanders. His mother passed away just before he turned two so he went to live with his grandfather, Henry Riley until the age of 12, when he went back to live with his father and step mother Bernice Sanders, who he eventually came to know as mom and she loved him as her own.
In 1950, he moved to Apopka, FL where he spent the majority of his life. In 1954, he met the love of his life, Helen, and seven months later they were married. Together they built a wonderful life. They had two daughters, Alice and Pam that he loved more than anything. If he couldn't go somewhere with his family, he didn't go. One of their favorite things to do was go camping in the Ocala National forest.
He was a long distance truck driver for Deep South for 36 years. When he could, he would take his family on trips with him. He did everything he could to involve his family in every aspect of his life. He was happiest when he was with his family.
He was an honest, kind and gentle man. He was very involved in his church, serving on the board and for many years. He ran a bus ministry for many years, in which he would drive a school bus early Sunday mornings to pick children up for Sunday school so they could learn about God. When church was over, he would drive them back home.
He loved going fishing. One of his favorite meals was fried catfish, mustard greens and a rib eye steak, with a glass of sweet tea, lemonade or water. Chocolate pie was his favorite dessert. He couldn't get enough of any of these foods. When he finally had all he could take, he would shake his head and say, "That was good!" with enthusiasm in his voice and a smile on his face. You could talk to him about anything and trust that you would receive the best, most honest and unbiased advice that he could give. He had a way of making people feel comfortable around him. He was just that kind of man. The kind of man that you couldn't help but love. He was a true blessing to have as family and he will be missed beyond words.
He is survived by his wife Helen, his sister Mary Helen Lane, of O'Steen, Florida, his daughter Alice (Gary), of Spring Hill, Florida, His daughter Pam, of High Springs, Florida, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
There will be visitation on Friday, May 13, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm at Loomis Funeral Home in Apopka, Florida. The funeral service will be Saturday, May 14, at 11:30am at Park Avenue Worship Center in Apopka, followed by a interment at Highland Memorial Gardens cemetery in Apopka.