Saunders, Clyde Leslie
Clyde Leslie Saunders, 83, of Staffordsville, departed this life for his Heavenly home on Sunday morning, January 4, 2015, at his home in the loving care of his family and hospice. Born in Logan, WVA, on December 7, 1931, he was the son of the late Luther and Bertie Lou Eppling Saunders.
Clyde was employed at RAAP in Radford for over 31 years and retired as Supervisor. But his heart was in the produce market he and his wife operated for many years at Poplar Hill at the junction of 100 and Rt. 42, his produce stand “under the tree” across from the Credit Union, and so many more places including his first stand in Washington DC. Clyde loved his family most but his passion was his produce and the people he met along the way. Anyone who came to his stands walked away assured that what they had bought was “as sweet as honey”.
He was an honorably discharged veteran of the Army National Guard. Clyde was a member of New Village Pentecostal Holiness Church in Staffordsville, honorary life member of Giles Lifesaving and Rescue Squad, Pearisburg Moose Lodge and longtime member of American Legion Post 68 in Narrows. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Alma Jean Palmer Saunders, his brothers James, and John Wesley Saunders and his sister Masil Hite.
He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Patricia (Patty) Saunders Midkiff and son Michael Gary Saunders, both of Staffordsville. Brothers, Lester Saunders of Bangkok Thailand, Harold Saunders of Cosner California, Carl (Mickey) and wife Barbara Saunders of Narrows. Sisters, Shirley Smith of Monk, SC., and Donna Chippanio of Cosner California. Also, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren and many, many family members, neighbors and friends. An extra special thanks to John and Melissa (Missy) Midkiff for their love, gentleness, and abundance of care for Clyde during the last eight months, we know he would not have had this extra time without them. Guys you are the best! The family is also very grateful to all the hospice nurses and workers who made things so much better for Clyde, especially Sabrina, Crystal, and Sherie.
Funeral Services will be conducted January 6, 2015 at 2:00 PM in the New Village Pentecostal Holiness Church in Staffordsville with Pastor Kathy Higgs and Pastor Eddie Kendall officiating. Burial will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg with graveside rites rendered by American Legion Posts 68, 311, and 145 and VFW Post 6000. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 5, 2015 from 5pm -8 pm at the church. The Kendall Funeral Home in Pembroke is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com.