William James "Bill" Saunders

    It is with deep and heavy sadness that we announce the passing of William James “Bill” Saunders of Hertford, NC.  On Friday, June 10, 2016, Bill took his last breath as God called him home to Heaven.

    Bill was born in Pasquotank County, North Carolina on November 27, 1942.  He was a 1961 graduate of Weeksville High School.  In 1965, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts Education from East Carolina College and began teaching in Portsmouth Public Schools.  He returned to ECU and received his Master of Arts in Industrial and Technical Education in 1972.  His continuing studies led to Virginia DOE endorsements for elementary, middle school, and high school principal.  During his tenure in Portsmouth, Bill served Harry Hunt Junior High, Woodrow Wilson High School, Alf J. Mapp Junior High, Cradock High School, Churchland Junior High and S. H. Clark Center.  In 1983, he began a 17 year tenure at I. C. Norcom High School as Assistant Principal.  Bill retired with 45 years of service to Virginia’s public school system.

    Bill was an active member in the community and church.  His greatest efforts were given to the Lions of Virginia and the International Association of Lions Clubs.  He was a member of the Cradock Lions Club for 46 years.  During this time, Bill served in many positions including District Governor in 1982-1983.  

     After retiring in 2010, Bill continued to enjoy antiquing, coin collecting, geology and his work as a lapidary.  He enjoyed the outdoors:  hunting, fishing, landscaping, and all sports.  

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Dorothy Saunders;  his brother; Wesley Saunders; his grandparents, William and Reva Carter, and William and Margaret Saunders.

    Bill is survived by his wife of four years, Dianne Dail Saunders; his daughter, Nikki Faison, and husband, Brian of Colonial Heights, VA; his son, William Saunders of Chesapeake, VA; his daughter, Katilynn Saunders, his son, Heath Saunders, and their mother, Lorianne Saunders of Chesapeake, VA; his stepdaughter, Wendy Lowe, and husband, Buddy of Hertford, NC; his stepdaughter, Jenny Boyce and husband, Richie of Hertford, NC; his stepson, Peanut Parker, and wife, Kirby-Lynn of Sunbury, NC; his three grandchildren, Nicholas, Courtney and Hunter Faison; his five step grandchildren, Josh and Ben Lowe, Dustin and Lanie Boyce, and Pierce Parker; and his step great-granddaughter, Kaiden Lowe. Also surviving are his sister, Margaret Dixon; and his brother, Jerrell Saunders, and wife, Christy, all of Elizabeth City, NC.

    The funeral will be held at Evangelical Methodist Church, 820 Old Okisko Road, Elizabeth City, NC on June 15 at 2 pm.  Family will receive friends at the Saunders’ residence.

    In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his memory to St. Jude's Children Hospital or the Evangelical Methodist Church Building Fund.