Michael Jason Sanders

The world became a little less bright on April 20th, 2017 with the death of Michael Jason Sanders, age 40. A proud native and lifelong resident of Candler. The burdens of this world have been lifted from his shoulders and he is peacefully in the arms of Jesus. Our faith assures us that he is rejoicing with those that have gone before him.

Michael was preceded in death by his father Donald McKinley Sanders; his grandparents Ruth & Harlen Dellinger and McKinley & Frances Sanders and his niece Miriam Ruth Sanders. He is survived by his loving mother, Betty Sanders and her beau Charlie “The Wolf” Holleman; a brother Mark Sanders and the two people in this world who brought him the most joy - his children, Trenton Sanders - who carries on his Dad’s smile, quirky sense of humor, swagger and will remember their shared love of sports, and Savannah - who carries on his kind heart, compassion for others, and will remember their shared love and appreciation of music.

Michael’s family extends to his aunts, Brenda Jones and Wanda Keyros; uncles Edward(Verdie)Sanders & Gary(Renea) Dellinger; nephew Owen Sanders and niece Adeline Sanders; the mother of his children Tabitha Toler; and his former wife Elizabeth Read. Numerous cousins; an endless number of dear friends including Amy Vanden Heuvel; a right many dance partners and his best buddy, Dickey Betts.

Proud of his education, he graduated from Enka High School and went on to further his education at Appalachian State University where he was a brother of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.He exemplified a life of service to others through his 18 years at Edward Jones Investments. He worked hard to ensure the people of our community had access to the best life possible and made sure his children and friends had access to the best live music ever. Michael found his soul through the bands he followed and traveled the world yet always found his way back to the mountains he loved. Michael was fiercely loyal to each and every person he met. He was known for being the first responder to every friend’s crisis. His love, compassion and infectious laugh has left a mark on all of our hearts.

His family will celebrate his life through a private ceremony on his birthday, July 7, 2017. Friends who wish to attend please call (828)667-8592 for time and location. Please bring your own lawn chair. To honor his life now consider donating to one of the things Michael cared the most about- his kids college fund, through David Matz with Edward Jones Investments in West Asheville at (828)255-2663, or alternatively find a Widespread Panic show near you and take the people you love. “Ain't life grand!!”

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