Billy Ray Sanders, 58, passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2012. He was born November 30, 1953 in Franklin County to the late James Edward and Vera Mae Williams Sanders.  Billy is preceded in death by one brother James Sanders and two sisters Brenda Sanders and Wanda Sanders.

He is survived by two sons, Donnie Sanders of Wilmington, and Travis Sanders of Nashville; one daughter, Maria Sanders Coley and husband Tommy of Momeyer; one brother, Ronnie Sanders of Spring Hope; one sister, Patricia Marlow of Tarboro; six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 29, 2012 in the Chapel of Cornerstone Funeral Home in Nashville with the Rev. Daniel Moss officiating.  Burial was at the Sanders Family Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to Cornerstone Funeral Home in memory of Billy Ray Sanders.