Milton Ray Sanders, 72, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021, at his home in Waco with his family.
Service Information: Memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 8, at Bible Way Church, 2800 Gurley Ave. in Waco with Pastor David Arnett officiating. Flowers may be delivered directly to the church the day of the service 1 hour prior.
Ray was born August 9, 1949, to Billy M. and Estelle (White) Sanders in Edinburg, Texas. He graduated from Edinburg high school. Ray joined US Navy August 9, 1968, at the age of 19 where he worked as a mechanic. He served active duty and reserve until August 6, 1973. During this time, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star. He attended MCC for criminal justice. Ray worked for MCC as a Campus Police Officer. He then worked at Mercury Tool as a machinist and a truck driver until he retired.
Ray married the love of his life, Leatha Taylor, on December 1, 1972. Together they had three children, twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and son, Steven Sanders.
Ray is survived by his wife of 49 years, Leatha Sanders of Waco; son, Milton Charles Sanders and wife Rebecca of Waco; daughter, Monica Huettel and husband Shawn of Lorena; brother, Billy C. Sanders and wife Pat of Dallas; grandchildren, Nicholas Sanders, Cameron Sanders, David Franklin, Landon Sanders, Lacie Sanders, Travis Bills and fiancé Shyanna VanCleave, Alyssa Bills and significant other Andrew Simmons, Dakota Terry, Cody Nering and significant other Tristan Hogeland, Bishop Huettel, Hunter Nering and Taylor Huettel; great-grandchildren, Levi, Mason, and Nolan Simmons.
Place of Service: Bible Way Church , 2800 Gurley ; Waco, TX 76711
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My deepest sympathy to all the Sanders family in the loss of Ray. My late husband, Larry, his twin brother, Harry and I all went to high school together in Edinburg Texas with Ray and Bill. Ray has kept in contact through Facebook and a visit once when he was on a driving trip to Houston. Praying for God’s comfort and peace to surround you all during this time. ❤🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤ I know Ray’s service to our country is appreciated by all us Texans and Americans. ❤🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸❤