Thurman Braxton

Mr. Thurman Braxton Sanders, 87 of Gainesville formerly of Dahlonega died Monday March 7, 2011 at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Mr. Sanders was born in Locust Grove, Henry County, GA on September 17, 1923. Throughout his life he was know by his preferred nickname, "T.B."

Mr. Sanders was the son of the late James Fred and Lillie Harper Sanders. Mr. Sanders was educated at the Lumpkin County High School, North Georgia College, Dahlonega; Clemson A&M College, Clemson, SC; B.S., Mechanical Engineering; graduate of GE's "Power Systems Engineering" course, Schenectady, NY. Mr. Sanders was a veteran of the United States Navy where he served on three submarines. He joined Georgia Power Company as Distribution Engineer; and also worked in Substation Test Engineering, he retired after 39 years of service.

He was a member of the Masons/Atlanta-Peachtree Lodge#59 for over 50 years, York Rite & Scottish Rite; Yaarab-Shrine Temple, Arab Guard in Atlanta for 50 years; First One Hundred Club (Shrine 100 oldest members in point of service) Georgia Power Ambassadors; GA Registered Professional Engineers. Mr. Sanders was a faithful member of the Northlake Baptist Church in Murrayville. Mr. Sanders loved metal and wood working; collecting antique guns and edged weapons, computers, sailing and traveling.

Survivors include his wife; Rachael Duprey Sanders, Gainesville; nephew and wife; Jimmy and Vicki Sanders, Austell; niece, Caroline Unruh, Westport Point, Mass. Several great nieces and nephews also survive.

Memorial services will be held Thursday March 31, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the McGill-Scarbrough Memorial Chapel at Lanier Village Estates. The Rev. Richard Evans and the Rev. Danny Jones will officiate. A private family interment will be held at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Dahlonega.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospital for Children-Greenville, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605-4277.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at masonward.com

Mason & Ward Funeral Home, 1190 McEver Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements.