William M. Sanders

Born in Springfield, IL. After several relocations due to his father’s job as a salesman the family moved to their vacation cabin in 1944 when “Billy” was 11 year old. “For the first year they were year round campers with an outhouse, kerosene heaters and all living in one room,” according to brother Jim Sanders. “Billy” was said to have a boisterous and curious personality which often created mischief and chaos for his parents. In 1949 “Billy” and his father decided the best course for him to follow was his passion for the military. So his father signed the necessary paperwork for “Bill” to join the United States Air Force at the young age of 17.

Bill was shipped out to Korea shortly there after. He would go on to serve in both the  Korean war and Vietnam War. For the next 35 years he served his country continuing his education and moving up in ranks.He served in the United States Air Force, Air National Guard as well as the the Air Force Reserves. He served his country in many capacities during this time.  Every time his term was up, he reenlisted. Moving up from a Private serving in Korea, to an aircraft mechanic, to missile maintenance and finally becoming and serving most of his career as a  Loadmaster on a C-130 aircraft (which was his favorite aircraft) and finally ending his military career retiring with the rank of an  E-7 Master Sergeant around 1984.

Obvious that his service to his country was not over in 1985 he began working at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL with the Federal Government as a Defense Contractor.

Once retired, “Mr. Bill” turned to his second passion, the conservation of our land. In 1993 Bill began his quest to cleaning up the environment.  While on a post military assignment working for an oil refinery he noticed the trash that was clogging up the river. After acquiring a pontoon boat and some volunteers he began the service of cleaning up the environment. Which led him to be appointed Director of Keep Wakulla Beautiful and eventually become the vice president of Keep America Beautiful affiliates of Florida. In 1997 Mr. Bill founded Keep Pinellas Beautiful organization. Through his efforts Mr. Bill has been given many awards, accolades and has affected many peoples life. When asked what drove him he would share the story of his father stopping on the side of the road and making him pick up trash that he had thrown out. Explaining why littering was the wrong thing to do. He said, “it always stuck with me, so when I saw our land being destroyed I had to do something.” To learn more about Mr. Bills fight against litter please go to baysoundings.com/legacy-achives/fall08/stories/profile.php

On February 27, 2015  after 18 years Mr. Bill reluctantly retired from KPB. He was the founding Executive Director of Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Inc.  “Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Inc. is a volunteer based 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is to prevent litter, reduce waste and beautify communities.  KPB provides these services to all of Pinellas County through contract funds provided by the Pinellas County Utilities and Highway Departments, as well as through corporate, recycling revenue, and charitable donations.  KPB manages the volunteer adoption of roads, beaches, islands and trail areas in Pinellas County for regular litter cleanups.  In addition, KPB coordinates the Pinellas volunteers for local bayou cleanups, Great American Cleanup, America recycles Day, and the International Coastal Cleanup.”  Bill would go on to say his biggest source of pride and accomplishment was the clean up and redesign of Clam Bayou in St. Petersberg. He was honored when they named a trail, Sanders Way. To learn more about this incredible organization or to volunteer. Please go to the web site, www.mykpb.com

During his military career and after, Bill served his community and veterans in many ways. He served through his lifetime memberships to the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations. Often leading community events and serving as Commander in Memphis for a time. He also was an active member of the Kiwanis and the Optimist Club where he also served as president.

Bill was also the father of 2 sons and 2 daughters. Whereas, they didn’t understand why their father was often not around. (as many military kids can relate.)  They  would talk about times spent in service with their father through many events with the VFW and Legion.His son Richard even serving as commander of the Sons of VFW. From picking up trash on the side of the road with their dad to playing in the lake with him at their Grandparents house. Bill was very proud of his children, often sharing stories with friends of how they were like him. He spoke of how his sons, followed in his footsteps and joined the military, both becoming Marines. How his Oldest son Richard worked for FedEx and was in charge of freight like he was in the airforce. How his other son, Douglas loved to work with his much like Bill. He often bragged about him building his own house. He talked about how both of his daughters had such generous serving hearts, his eldest, Victoria serving God by going on mission trips and serving her community through her church. He was very proud that she included her children in this work as he felt the legacy of serving would continue. His youngest, Deanna continuing his legacy through the American Legion Auxiliary, as the Americanism Chairman and working with kids in her church and community.

“I believe because my dad went into the Air Force at such an early age he adopted the core values as his own and that is what guided his life and now his legacy. Integrity first, Service before self and Excellence in all we do.” said, Deanna, Bill’s youngest daughter.

Bill loved to tell stories and anyone that met him often spent time listening to his stories of being a soldier, of his children, of his many adventures. He had many lifelong friends who now have many stories of  their friend to tell. No matter what name you knew him by, William “Billy”, “Bill”, “Mr. Bill”, “Dad” Sanders when you took time to listen to his stories or worked with him in his many roles, you knew he was  man of service, love and faith.  He inspired many, left the world a better place and will be missed by many.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Merl and Edith Sanders; and brother, Ronnie Sanders.  He is survived by his wife, Sandra Sanders;brother, Jim Sanders of Union Lake, MI, sons, Richard Sanders of Mt. Olive, MS and Douglas Sanders of Dallas, GA; daughters, Deanna Kienzle of Crown Point, IN and Victoria Sanders – Chambers of Marietta, GA; stepson, Keith Timian of Orlando, FL; stepdaughter, Deborah Timian of Clearwater, FL; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and many friends.