Obituary of S. Marshall Sanders
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Colonel S. Marshall Sanders, Jr., Ph.D., USAR Ret., loving father and grandfather, passed peacefully from this world on March 11, 2012 after suffering for many years with Alzheimer's disease. Marshall spent most of his life as a resident of Aiken, South Carolina and for the last several years has been a resident of the Lowman Home in White Rock, South Carolina.
Marshall was born in Charleston, South Carolina on July 26, 1928 and was the oldest child of Samuel Marshall Sanders and Sarah Griswold Sanders. Marshall received a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the Citadel, his M.S. degree from Louisiana State University, and his PhD. in Radiological Biology from the Medical College of Georgia. Additionally, Marshall did one year of graduate work in radiological physics at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the National Research Council. In 1968, Marshall was the recipient of the prestigious Elda E. Anderson Memorial Award in Health Physics.
Marshall was known for his restless and inquisitive mind. He retired from the Savannah River Site outside of Aiken, South Carolina where he worked for 40 years in health physics and quality assurance initiatives.
Marshall served his nation as a member of the Army Reserve from 1950 until his retirement in 1983 with the rank of Colonel.
Marshall was very active in all aspects of Masonry and lived the ideals of a true Mason. He was a faithful and devoted member of the Masonic Fraternity for more than fifty years.
Right Worshipful Sanders joined Aiken Lodge No. 156 AFM in 1959 and moved through the chairs to become the Worshipful Master in 1979. He served the Grand Lodge of South Carolina as the District Deputy Grand Master of the Sixth Masonic District in 1981-1982 and in various other leadership capacities.
Marshall joined the Scottish Rite in 1959. He was a charter member of Aiken Lodge of Perfection, where he served as Venerable Master, secretary, and treasurer. He received the KCCH and was coroneted a 33° Inspector General Honorary and served as the Personal Representative in the Valley of Aiken for Illustrious Brother H. Wallace Reid, SGIG in SC.
As a member of the Aiken York Rite Bodies, Marshall served as High Priest of Aiken Chapter 41, Illustrious Master of Aiken Council No. 23, Eminent Commander of Aiken Commandery No. 14 and was a Past Sovereign Master of Aiken Council No. 140 Allied Masonic Degree. He was a life sponsor of the Knight Templar Eye Foundation.
Marshall is survived by daughter, Melissa Sanders Walker Joseph, of Columbia, SC, son, Samuel Marshall Sanders, III Gina of Aiken, SC, two grandchildren, Joseph David Walker, Jr. Joy and Marshall James Walker, a sister, Mary Sanders Brown the late Chester Brown of Spartanburg, SC and many cousins and extended family in Charleston, SC. Marshall will be profoundly missed by his friend and fiancé Hermione Usery of Augusta, GA and her family.
Interment, with military honors, will take place on Monday, April 2, 2012 at 2pm at Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC.
A visitation for family and friends took place on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Aiken SC. Funeral services took place the following day, Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 11am.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions may be made to the Knight Templar Eye Foundation or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.