Andrew Sanders

Andrew Sanders, age 81, of Gainesville, TX, passed away June 29, 2026 in Gainesville.

Andrew was born March 26, 1945 in Gainesville. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, where he was a member of the band. Mr. Sanders then enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served over two years during Vietnam. While in service, Mr. Sanders qualified as a sharpshooter and was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received in action.

Upon arriving home, Mr. Sanders began growing his family and professional life. He had a successful career with the Gainesville State School, starting out in Receiving, and eventually was promoted to Unit Supervisor. Mr. Sanders was also employed at National Supply, PolyPipe, and with USPS in Ft. Worth before retiring. His favorite memories were of times spent fishing, hunting, and cooking barbeque while spending time with his family and friends.

Mr. Sanders was preceded in death by: parents Leon “Buster” and Arnell (Lowe) Sanders; sister Loretta Hennesy; sister Ophelia Bass; and sister Rosie Lee Purify.

He is survived by: daughter Vallorie Washington (Napoleon) of Dallas, TX. His first marriage to Delois Robertson produced son Andrew Sanders Jr. (Octavia) Mt. Pleasant, TX; daughter Angela Chalk of Omaha, TX; and son Antonio Sanders (Marisol) of Altadena, CA. In his second marriage to Jerrell French, he adopted daughter JayLynn Sanders. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister Darcus Jackson of Phoenix, AZ; brother James Earl Sanders of Gainesville, TX; sister Laverne Harrison (Errol) of Gainesville; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home, Gainesville. The family will begin receiving friends at 10:00 a.m. and a memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A committal service will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Gainesville.