William Jefferson Sanders II

William Jefferson Sanders II, age 60, of Nebo, North Carolina, passed away on the night of Thursday, November 26, 2020 at Memorial Campus of Mission Hospital in Asheville. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, born on May 14, 1960, he was the son of the late Clarence Edward Sanders and Annie Grace Thomas Sanders Hayes.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Stephanie Adams Tipton; five brothers, Bruce Sanders, George Hayes, Charles Hayes, Floyd Hayes and Broadus Hayes; and three sisters, Norma Jean Sanders, Naomi Jane Sanders and June Hayes Crowe. 

A graduate of Boiling Springs High School, Will was known by many as the “Mayor” of Nebo.  An avid fisherman, NASCAR fan, he was a long-time accountant at Tim’s Muffler Shop in Marion.  A man who truly loved his family, Will was known to share and tell his “fishing stories” to many. 

He is survived by four children, William Jefferson Sanders III of Marshall, North Carolina, Brandi Phillips of Lexington, Kentucky, Jimmy Winker (Stephanie) of Weaverville, North Carolina and Christi Winker of Nebo, North Carolina; and seven siblings, Ronnie Sanders of Kernersville, North Carolina, James Hayes (Ailene) of Gastonia, North Carolina, Neal Hayes of Spartanburg, South Carolina, David Hayes (Donna) of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Doris Heffner of Hampstead, North Carolina, Lynn Hayes of Spartanburg, South Carolina and Rita Gilbert (Randy) of Inman, South Carolina.  Will is also survived by four grandchildren, Jaylen, Valerie, James “Hank” and Charles; twenty nieces and nephews, twenty-five great nieces and nephews; and seventeen great-great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Will’s life will be held on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service in Marion with Preacher Sammy Sutton officiating.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.