Gerald C. Sanders passed away peacefully on November 16, 2015. He was born in Fieldale, Virginia on August 3, 1940, to Gerald F. and Ruth Lyons Sanders. He was a resident of Cary, North Carolina and grew up in Fieldale, Virginia. He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy in 1958, and attended the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. He married Shirley Joyce Sanders on May 1, 1959. Gerald, better known as “Gary” and “Hawkeye” to close friends and family, was a Federal employee, and held the position of Director of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in Research Triangle Park, prior to retirement. He was a dedicated family man, and an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors and traveling to new places. He had a passion for NASCAR racing and enjoyed watching many races on a Sunday afternoon. Gary is survived by his wife Shirley Joyce Sanders of 56 years and his four children, Kim Sanders- Shoemaker, Michelle Gallagher, Kevin Sanders, Paul Sanders and nine grandchildren. His grandchildren adored and loved their grandfather, affectionately known as “Papa.” A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015, at Pleasant Grove Christian Church, 5285 Preston Road, Martinsville, Virginia, at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at the home of Yvetta Joyce, 2343 Wingfield Orchard Road, Martinsville, Virginia, immediately following the service. Online condolences may be sent to www.apexfuneral.net. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Fork Union Military Academy, (Attn: Alumni & Giving), P.O. Box 278, Fork Union, VA 23055 (www.forkunion.com). Arrangements by Norris Funeral Services, Martinsville, Virginia.