Eric Darelle Sanders

Eric Sanders was born on March 11, 1970, in Hollandale, Mississippi, to the late Archie and Virgie M. Sanders. Eric was a 1988 graduate of Smithfield Selma Senior High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. Upon returning home from basic training, Eric resumed his lifelong career alongside his father, Archie, at Jones and Frank Petroleum Equipment Company, where he had begun working during the summers at the age of 16. He remained a dedicated employee there until his passing. Eric met Brenda Sholars in 1989, and together they welcomed their daughter, Tyesha Simone Sanders, on May 29, 1991. Eric had an unconditional love for his daughter and would have moved heaven and earth for her. Eric answered God's call on his life at an early age. He loved singing on the praise team and faithfully served in many capacities within the church. He was never hesitant to give of his time or talents in helping to build God's Kingdom. Eric enjoyed football, especially cheering for the Dallas Cowboys, basketball, singing, composing music, fishing, traveling, cooking, learning through everyday life experiences, and building relationships with people. Eric was a devoted family man who never met a stranger. Everyone loved "E." He never turned away anyone in need, whether they were someone he had known for years or someone he had just met. Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Virgie M. Sanders, and his sister, Tamika A. Sanders. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his beloved daughter, Tyesha Sanders Randle (Stephon); three brothers, Derrick A. Sanders (Tawana) of Apex, North Carolina, Zachary D. Sanders (Crystal) of Creedmoor, North Carolina, and Possia L. Sanders (Tekella) of Fayetteville, North Carolina; ten nieces and nephews, Malik Sanders, Malicia Sanders, Madrik Sanders, Bryce Sanders, Alise Sanders, Caden Sanders, Casey Sanders, Faith Sanders, Zoë Sanders, and Micah Sanders; and four great nieces and great nephews, Imari, Brayden, Aaliyah, and Maliyah Sanders. Eric also leaves to cherish his memory a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, coworkers, classmates, teammates, and many special friends.