Mr. Alvin Earl “Al” Sanders, Jr., age 84, of Barnesville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Al was born on Sunday, March 01, 1942, in Charleston, South Carolina, to the late Alvin Earl Sanders, Sr. and the late Grace Elizabeth Sullivan Sanders. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, John Sanders, and his sister, Judy Macknis. His foundational love for the Lord began at the early age of eight years old as a Royal Ambassador at First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. During his youth, he also proudly participated in the Boy Scouts of America from 1954 to 1955.

A proud veteran, Al honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 until 1965. Following his military service, his personality led him to work as a disc jockey for WMOG in Brunswick, Georgia for several years.

Al eventually turned his passion into a distinguished 21-year aviation career. He became a licensed pilot in 1975, quickly expanding his expertise to become a flight instructor and charter pilot that same year. Over the decades, he excelled in corporate flying, serving with distinction as a Captain, Chief Pilot, and Operations Manager before becoming an A.S.A. Line Captain in 1984. Among his many professional honors, Al was notably selected to serve as a private pilot for Jimmy Carter during his 1970 Gubernatorial Campaign for Governor of Georgia.

An active and dedicated member of the Johnsonville community, Al took great pride in his surroundings and loved to spend time working in his yard, especially mowing the lawn. He was also a faithful and active member of Rock Springs Church for 14 years, where he served with joy as an Usher and Altar Care Worker. He became affectionately known to the congregation as the “Candy Man,” because his pockets were always stuffed with peppermints to hand out to guests and members.

Known for his exceptionally kind heart and unwavering dedication, Al’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a deeply devoted Husband, Father, and Papa to them all.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Lee Sanders; his children, Lisa Perez (Rick), Stephen Sanders, Vickie Kelley (Vince), and Abby Hunt (Jason); 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his sister, Rebecca Greco (Jim); and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

His greatest desire for his Celebration of Life is for God to be honored and glorified for the years he was given, and to also strengthen their personal relationship with our Savior.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Al Sanders will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at Rock Springs Church, with Dr, Robert Hunnicut, Dr. Jerry Brown and Dr. Benny Tate officiating. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the church.

Flowers will be accepted, however those desiring, may make donation to Rock Springs Church, 219 Rock Springs Road, Milner, Georgia 30257 in memory of Mr. Al Sanders.

Those who wish may leave an online condolence on our website,

www.westburyfuneralhomes.com

Williams-Westbury Funeral Home, 526 College Drive, Barnesville, is proudly serving the Sanders family.