Roy "Dan" Sanderson

Marion, VA
 
 Roy Daniel Sanderson, known as Dan to his fellow Alabamians, “Big Orange” to his trucking buddies, and “Roy Boy” to his wife, passed away on April 15, 2024.

Roy was born on December 6, 1939 in Florence, Alabama to Thomas and Venola Hendon Sanderson—the youngest of eight sons. Roy lived in Cincinnati, Ohio; Ringgold, Georgia; Chattanooga, Tennessee, and finally made his home in Marion, Virginia. Roy held his Sweet Home Alabama forever in his heart.

Over Roy’s life, he had several hobbies, starting with playing baseball in high school. He spent many years RVing with his wife, visiting all 50 states, Canada, and Australia. He never met a stranger in any campground—he loved to walk and talk! He played a mean Skee-ball game, winning hordes of prizes for his grandchildren. Roy was an avid collector of all things! From any model truck to Energizer Bunny ears…if you needed it, he could find it in his wares. He couldn’t be stumped! Roy loved “stuff”! He thrived on swapping and trading—once profiting by selling a bucket of dirt!

Roy began driving a semi-truck at the age of 19, and was instrumental in forming a unionized workplace, which ensured better compensation and protections for his co-workers. He was presented with the Mack Million Mile Club award for his ability as a professional truck driver; his road courtesy; attention to safety and his loyalty to Mack Trucks. He drove millions of miles—the equivalent of 40 times around the world! In true Smokey and the Bandit fashion, he and a buddy once parked their trucks, slipped through the woods to where a cop lay in wait for speeding truckers. They tethered his bumper to a tree, retrieved their trucks, and sped by for what turned out to be a short-lived chase for Smokey!

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by: his brothers, Marvin, Frank, Lawrence, Julius, Charles, Robert, and Ray Samuel (his infant twin); his stepson, Shane D. Keith, and step-grandson, Richard Zane Blevins.

He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Tilson Sanderson; children, Roger, Bruce, Belinda, and Danny Ray Sanderson. Grandchildren, Dougie, Shaun, Randy, Destiny, Emily, Cali, Isaiah, and Brooke Ann Sanderson, Pashence Sanderson Myers, and Jaime Sanderson Lamb; Brothers-in-law, David, John D., and Darrell Tilson; Sisters-in-law, Marcia Tilson, Lavina Gass, and Lois Tilson. Stepsons, Rick (Mariann) Blevins and Jeff (April) Blevins; step-grandchildren, Callie Piplico, J. Mellinger, Ethan, Cameron, and Nolan Blevins. Several great-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and special nephews, Mike Strickland, and Josh Gass.

The family will receive friends Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel. A service to celebrate his life will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Blake Frazier officiating. 

Roy attended church at Rowland Creek Brethren Church as long as he was able. If anyone wishes to make a donation to his church in lieu of flowers, it would be greatly appreciated.

To share memories of Roy "Dan" Sanderson please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Roy has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service, 237 East Main Street, Marion, Va. 24354.