Ronnie Lee Sanders Sr., 76, of Valdese, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at UNC Health Blue Ridge following a period of declining health.

Ronnie was born August 5, 1949 to the late Rosecda Sanders Woods. He retired as a truck driver and took pride in traveling through all forty-eight states, Canada, and Mexico. After retirement, Ronnie tried to live a simple life, spending it with his family, working on cars, and watching fishing shows.

In addition to his mother, he is preceded in death by his grandmother, Rosie Sanders Heath; sons, Ronnie Sanders Jr., and Omar Sanders; his first wife, Linda Woods Sanders; brothers, John Gilbert Woods, and Jimmy Lee Sanders; sister, Darlene Woods; uncles, Robert Sanders, Jimmy Lee Woods, and John Sanders; and aunts, Rosie Marie Houston, and Dorothy Wilson.

He is survived by his wife, Patrice Johnson Sanders; children, Charlene Woods, Stetson Johnson, and Pilar Sanders; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers, Garrett Woods, Timothy Woods, and Londie Alan Woods; sister, Roschell Woods McGant and husband Andre; aunts, Judy Schenck and husband Earnest, and Maggie McCray; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

Inurnment will take place at Eastview Cemetery in Newton, NC at a later date.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.