Sanders, Billy Hugh

U.S. Navy Veteran Retired From DuPont After 40 Years

  • Thursday, October 20, 2022
Billy Hugh Sanders
Billy Hugh Sanders

Billy Hugh Sanders, 94, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, October 17, 2022.

Billy was born June 23, 1928, in Bullock County, Al. By God’s sovereign grace, he was found in a basket, by water, near the town of Union Springs. When examined at a nearby hospital, he was given the name, Baby Moses, on the hospital’s certificate of birth. He was adopted and raised by loving parents Bert and Vera Appleton Sanders. He attended Emma Sansom High School where he loved playing football and running track. At age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve during World War II. Upon returning to Chattanooga, he married his wife Polly Adkins on March 16, 1949. He worked as a mechanic and machinist at DuPont for 40 years. 

Billy was a committed follower of Jesus Christ. He was saved in 1976 through the “I Found It” evangelism emphasis of Campus Crusade for Christ. He was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church and served as a deacon, usher, and Family Life Center leader. He participated in numerous mission trips and other outreaches of the church. His free time was spent building and flying model airplanes, fishing, sharing childhood stories, lifting weights and cheering on the University of Alabama football team.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Polly and his son, Steve.

He is survived by his son, Van Sanders and wife Beth and their children: Anna Shelton (Matt), Philip Sanders (Anna)and David Sanders (Mollie); great-grandchildren Ian Hugh, Oliver, Addie Beth, Emmett Van, Riley and Marigold. Many other family members and friends have loved and supported him through the years. Billy never met a stranger; and to him, everyone deserved the chance to be family.

The celebration of Billy’s life is on Monday, Oct. 24. Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the celebration service in the Coulter Chapel of Lane Funeral Home. Interment will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors. Rev. Bill Harvey and Dr. Van Sanders will be officiating the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the World Missions Center at Truett McConnell University to support the ongoing work of missions through the lives of young people. https://truett.edu/world-missions-center/

Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524, lanefh.com.

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