Mr. Thaddeus Lee Sanders

Thaddeus Lee Sanders May 17, 1956 - September 8, 2017 Thaddeus Lee Sanders, USN (Ret), died in La Jolla, California on September 8, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. He embraced life fully and maintained a remarkable will to live, striving to “stand tall” until his last days. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his bravery, honorable naval service, sense of humor, charming smile, loyalty, and as a loving husband and father. Thaddeus was born on May 17, 1956 in Allendale, South Carolina, to Hayward Sanders and Mattie L. Dopson. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Brenda S. Sanders, daughters Seri Law and Amberle Sanders. Thaddeus is also survived by sister, Cheryl Rainey; his brothers, J. Bernard Sanders (Nora) and Michael Rainey, step-sister, Patty Dopson, devoted friends, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and (loving dog) Jocko. Thaddeus proudly served 20 years for our country in the United States Navy, advancing to Petty Officer First Class. He was an exceptional illustrator draftsman, videographer and lithographer onboard many ships and shore assignments. He graduated from Cuyamaca College attaining two degrees. He retired from the Navy in 1999 receiving three Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals; four Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals; Navy Unit Commendation; two Navy Battle “E” Ribbons; five Good Conduct Medals; Navy Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal; three Humanitarian Service Medals; Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon; Kuwait Liberation Medal; Expert Pistol Shot Medal; Marksman Rifleman Ribbon; two Special Congressional Recognition Certificates, and numerous other campaign and service awards. After the navy Thaddeus was employed at Northrop Grumman Corporation, San Diego and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency where he employed his vast skills and knowledge in general engineering, mechanical draftsmanship and numerous computer- aided programs and photography. Thaddeus’ life will be celebrated on Monday, September 18, 2017 at the Erickson- Anderson Mortuary, 8390 Allison Avenue, La Mesa, CA. Viewing begins at 9 a.m., service at 11 a.m., with internment to follow at 2:00 p.m. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery Pt. Loma. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the UC San Diego Health Sciences, Jacobs Medical Center for Cancer Research, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0012.