Richmond "Rich" Lee Sanders 58 of Swansboro, NC went to his heavenly home on April 4th after battling a rare autoimmune condition and passed away unexpectedly at New Hanover Medical Center in Wilmington.  Rich was born in Cherry Point, NC on March 22, 1965 and had recently moved to Swansboro, NC from Maryland to enjoy his retirement life with his wife after a 30 year career with Coca Cola as a tractor trailer driver. He worked full-time as a school bus driver for the Swansboro school system and loved "his kids".

Rich was full of life. He was a devoted husband and father to his four beautiful daughters. He also loved his pets, King, Teddy, Sassie and taking care of his chickens. His laugh was contagious, it made everyone laugh and he was the life of our family parties. He loved the beach, fishing and was a great lawnmower mechanic. Rich was a simple man with great love for all of those around him. He had a huge heart, always eager to help anyone in need, and greeted everyone he met with a kind word and big smile.

He was preceded in life by his parents Donald and Betty Shepherd and his brother Thomas Sanders.  He is survived by his wife Kristi Sanders and four daughters, Mariah Sanders, Miranda Sanders, Leah Sanders and Callie Sanders. He is also survived by his sisters Betsy Hoskins, Vicki Salvi, Evette Sanders, step brother Don Shepherd Jr. and many nieces.

A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, April 11 at 10:30 at St. Ignatius Church (the historical Church) in Hickory, MD.