Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Thomas Gerald Sanders, 82, of Columbia, who passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Marion General Hospital. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia. Rev. James McCraney, Rev. Everette Broome, and Rev. Bill Morris will officiate the services. Brad Day and Laurie Dale will provide special music.

The Sanders family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Hathorn Funeral Home.

A man of deep faith and a devoted family man, Gerald was a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a faithful member of Enon Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. He had a great love for the outdoors, often found deer hunting or fishing, and took immense pride in his lawn. For 54 years, he was a dedicated manager at Corr Williams in Columbia and served three terms as Marion County Constable. Known for his playful spirit and sense of humor, Gerald was a true jokester who brought laughter to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Claude Theodore Sanders; and his Mother, Ruby Bea Herrington Daniels; one Brother, Joe Carol Sanders; and two Sisters, Marilyn Moody, Penny Clinton.

He is survived by his Wife of sixty-three years, Mary Alavene Robbins Sanders, of Columbia; his Son, Rodney Sanders (Debbie), of Columbia; his Daughter, Angela Hill (Louis), of Columbia; two Sisters, Dianne Ray, of Columbia, Pam Day, of Pass Christian; four Grandchildren, Amy Sanders, of Columbus, Ohio, Tyler Sanders, of Ocean Springs, Justin Hill, of Pearl, Emily Sandifer, of Columbia; three Great Grandchildren, Addy Sanders, of Ocean Springs, Aurora Sanders, of Ocean Springs, Colton Sandifer, of Columbia.

Mr. Sanders will be carried to his final resting place by those honored to serve as Pallbearers; they include: Tyler Sanders, Justin Hill, Brent Sandifer, Brad Day, Leonard Thomas, and Cameron Campbell. Cole Robbins will serve as an Honorary pallbearer.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com