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 in Gaston County to the late Rosecda Sanders Woods. He dedicated more than 50 years of his life to driving trucks before retiring at the age of 70. During his career, he proudly traveled through all forty-eight states Canada and Mexico. In retirement Ronnie enjoyed living a simple life surrounded by family and friends, spending time working on old cars watching NASCAR, NHRA, and the nature channels. He had a deep appreciation for music. He especially enjoyed playing the bass guitar and keyboard.

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 Jimmie Lee Woods; sister, Darlene Woods; uncles, Robert Sanders and John Sanders; and aunts, Rosie Marie Houston, and Dorothy Wilson.

He is survived by his wife, Patrice Johnson Sanders of 32 years; children, Charlene Woods, Stetson Johnson, and Pilar Sanders;  grandchildren; Isha, Jaron, Jasmine, Amira, Yasmeen, Jonathan, Brandia, Kerrigan, Kambrya, Xavier, Xenia, Ashli, Josiah; and numerous great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers, Timmie Woods, Garrette Woods, and Londie Woods; sister, Roschell Woods McGant and husband Andre; aunts, Deaconess Maggie McCray, Prophet Judy Schenck and husband Deacon Earnest; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese. The family will visit with friends prior to the service. 

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.