The state of North Carolina is in a state of sorrow as a result of the untimely departure of Gary Saunders, a beloved individual whose influence was felt across the entirety of the community. His passing has put the state in a state of grief. On March 17, 2024, Gary, who was 52 years old at the time of his death, passed away unexpectedly. Completely unexpected was his passing away.
He left behind a legacy that was marked by unwavering commitment, uncompromising passion, and everlasting kindness. He could not have left this legacy without him. He was born and raised in the Bronx, but after completing his education in that borough, he relocated to Albany rather than continuing his study there. While he was growing up, he was born in the Bronx.
After completing his high school education at Brooklyn Tech High School and his studies at Bates College, Gary enrolled in Bates College and went on to acquire a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts for his academic accomplishments. Every one of these educational establishments was accountable for ensuring that he received an education. Nearly forty years ago, Gary was employed by the state of New York, where he held a position for the entirety of that time period. Following that, he worked his way up through the ranks of the Division of Disability Determinations, eventually achieving the post of Regional Administrator before finally deciding to call it quits in his professional life.
Bowling and basketball were two of Gary’s favorite activities to partake in after school when he was younger. He enjoyed both of these activities. Gary took part in both of these sports at some point in his life. He never wavered in his commitment to the New York Yankees, and he did so throughout his entire life! He also served on the board of directors for the New York Developmental Disabilities Planning Council of New York and was a proud member of the E.A.P. Committee.
Both of these organizations are located in New York. Additionally, he was a proud member of the EAPP Committee. He was a member of the committee. Both of these organizations offer assistance to individuals affected by disabilities in the form of support. Every single moment that Gary was able to spend with his entire family was highly significant to him, and he took great pleasure in participating in activities that brought joy to the people he cared about the most in the world who were closest to him. Having fought in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, Gary was a proud veteran of the military.
He was a devoted member of the praise band at Friendship Lutheran Church in Taylorsville, as well as a Masonic Lodge member for a significant amount of time during the course of his life. Among his many passions, Gary enjoyed going fishing and hunting, creating music, telling stories, and most of all, making other people laugh. A great number of people loved him, and he will be sorely missed by all of them. He took pleasure in spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 26 years, Marcelle “Marcie” Smith Saunders, who resides in the house; one son, Zeb Saunders and his wife Megan, who reside in Lewisville, North Carolina; two sisters, Donna Angley and her husband Mike, and Karen Gresham and her husband Grady, both of Florida; two grandchildren, Hadley Saunders and Charlotte Saunders; his faithful companion, Lexie; and a large number of friends who were dear to him.
