Elton Wayne Saunders
Elton Wayne Saunders, 80, of Dry Fork, Virginia, passed away on December 16, 2024. Born on July 18, 1944, Wayne was a resident of the area from his teenage years and a proud graduate of Whitmell Farm-Life School, Class of 1962.
After high school, Wayne embarked on a long and successful career in transportation, starting as an office clerk and working his way up through various leadership positions in operations and safety.
Wayne had a true entrepreneurial spirit. He owned multiple businesses over the years, including the Whitmell Worm Farm and his own consulting firm, E Wayne Saunders and Associates. Even after retiring in 2005, Wayne’s passion for business never wavered. He continued to teach driver improvement courses through his company, WWF Driver Improvement, helping countless individuals on the road to safer driving.
Wayne met the love of his life, Jewel Stowe, while in high school, and they were married on February 19, 1965. Together, they shared a life full of love, faith, and family. Wayne was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always cherishing time spent with his loved ones and the time he spent with friends on the golf course.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jewel, and their three children: Jeff Saunders (wife, Dana), Amy Miller (husband, Tripp), and Jenny Thompson (husband, Patrick). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Daniel (16), Andrew (14), Julie (12), Caleb (12), Tyler (11), Leah (8), and Eddie (8), and one sister, Sarah “E” Stoddart.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Saunders and Garnett Matherly, and his brother, Raymond Saunders.
A man of unwavering faith, Wayne was an active member of Whitmell Church of Faith in Dry Fork, VA for over 50 years. He also actively attended Hope Church in Danville, VA for the last ten years . He lived his life with kindness, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the importance of family and community.
A service to honor Wayne’s life will be held at Norris Funeral Services, Mount Herman Chapel on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 2:00pm. The family will receive visitors prior to the funeral starting at 1:00pm, and at other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne’s memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/EWayneSaunders
