William Leroy Saunders

William Leroy Saunders, 80, of Salem, passed away on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 17, 1931 to the late Dorothy Daniels and William Otis Saunders. Also preceding him in death was his wife, Helen Christine Stilton Saunders. He leaves to honor his memory a son, Mark Douglas Saunders and wife, Joan; two daughters, Penny Mines and Carla Colona and fianc, Randy Fernatt; six grandchildren, James Gray, Melissa and Crystal Clingenpeel, Leann Mines, Daniel Haupt, and Kelly Ramsey; five great-grandchildren, Carly Burnett, Trinity and Devante Divers, Kyla Ramsey-Witt, and Paisley Wilkerson; brother, Boots Saunders and wife, Francis; sister, Betty Saunders Patsel; and numerous nephews and nieces. Leroy loved anything to do with hunting and guns. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was retired from Norfolk-Western Railroad after 36 years as a brake setter. A public viewing will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the funeral homes chapel. Burial will follow at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. Family members and friends can visit at the residence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice at 2408 Electric Road in Roanoke, VA 24018. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com. The Saunders family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.