Joseph Lester “Joe” Sanders of Virginia Beach lost his valiant battle with cancer on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at the age of 75. He was born Dec. 27, 1941, in Oakland, Md., to George and Maxine Sanders.
Joe was a dedicated and loving family man who shared his love freely. Joe lived life to the fullest and was always the life of the party. His humor gave joy to those around him on a daily basis. A 22-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served his country proudly attaining the rank of chief petty officer before retiring in 1980 and cofounding the Alpha College of Real Estate. He loved golf and the camaraderie of his many friends.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Jean M. Sanders; daughters, Sheila Sanders, and her partner, Lisa, and Rita Smith; sons, Jeffrey Sanders, and his wife, Margie, Todd Sanders, and his wife, Cindy, Robert Smith, and Michael Smith, and his wife, Cindy; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Betty Lou Liller of Oakland, Md.
Visitation will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at the H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, 2002 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, at the same location. Interment will follow in Princess Anne Memorial Park, Great Neck Road. Reception information will be available at the funeral service.
