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Reverend Dallas Stephen Saunders 63, of Asheboro passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Pastor Steve was born on October 25, 1951 in Alamance County, NC, a son of the late Dallas Roy and Vivian Taylor Saunders.
Pastor Steve attended Boyden High School in Salisbury and graduated from Kernersville Pilgrim High School in 1970. He graduated from Southern Wesleyan University in 1975 with a Degree in Bible, he worked on a Masters Degree in History from 2000 – 2004 at Clemson University. Pastor Steve was an Ordained Minister of the Wesleyan Church.
The following is a list of his Pastorates and Missionary Service:
1975-77 North Charleston Wesleyan Church, SC; 1977-81 Sawyersville Wesleyan Church, Asheboro; 1981-85 Suriname, South America – Missionary with Global Partners; 1985-90 Orange Park Wesleyan Church, FL; 1990-92 Suriname, South America – Missionary with Global Partners; 1992-93 Beverly Park Wesleyan Church, FL; 1993-96 Salem Wesleyan Church, FL; 1996-99 Bagley Swamp Wesleyan Church, Hertford; 2005-11 First Wesleyan Church, Burlington; 2011-Present Albemarle Wesleyan Church, Albemarle.
Pastor Steve was well known for his love, humility and his unselfish service to his parishioners and family. He exhibited the Love of Christ everywhere he went. Pastor Steve had a tremendous love of nature and the outdoors, he enjoyed sailing, camping, and riding motorcycles.
In addition to his parents, Pastor Steve is preceded in death by a daughter, Bethany Dawn Saunders.
Pastor Steve is survived by his wife of over 42 years, Carolyn Downey Saunders, who he married on June 22, 1973. Son, Benjamin Stephen Saunders and wife Dana of Asheboro; daughter, Carla Noelle Saunders of Ramseur; grandchildren, Madison Grace East, Kayla Michelle Saunders, Garrett Stephen Saunders, and Kinsley Brooke Saunders. Brothers, Farrell Saunders and wife Antoinette of Gaffney, SC, and David Saunders and wife Dawn of Pawley’s Island, SC; sister, Sara Ramseur and husband Leon of Gastonia; step sister, Martha Richardson of Salisbury and step mother Pansy Richardson Saunders of Salisbury; and his mother-in-law, Lois Downey Traugh of the home. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 1:00 to 2:30 at the Albemarle Wesleyan Church.
There will be Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 18th at 2:30 PM at the Albemarle Wesleyan Church conducted by Rev. Dan LeRoy, District Superintendent of the NC East District of the Wesleyan Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Pastor Steve may be made to Albemarle Wesleyan Church 33671 Mann Rd. Albemarle NC 28001 or to World Hope International 1330 Braddock Place Suite 301 Alexandria VA 22314.
Carolina Cremation is honored to serve the Saunders family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Glenda Pettigrew says
Carolyn and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time We can only imagine the sights Steve is seeing and the reunions he is having , missing him will be an understatement but just look up and there he will be, looking after you and the family. He was a true man of God and will be missed, but try and look forward to seeing him again. My Love in Christ, Glenda Pettigrew
Betsy Cross says
So saddened to hear of Steve’s passing! My heart goes out to you, Carolyn, and your children as well, you are all in my prayers!
kathy atkins says
Ben you have one of the most loving family that I know. I know it is because of the foundation that your dad taught you as you grew up. That tells me what a precious man he was in the eyes of Jesus Christ. So knowing you I feel like I knew him. I know you will truly miss him but he is so much happier than we are because he is in peace with Jesus Christ in heaven. My whole family is praying for all of you and sending our strength to help you through this.
Sue Rickman says
My heart breaks for you even as I share the hope of seeing him again. I have such fond memories of you both as I appreciated your friendship and saw you ministry together in the good times and in the tough challenges. He was such a wonderful blend of humility, gentleness, compassion, strength, and winsome warmth. May God wrap his arms around you and carry you through this.
Jim and Dale Richardson says
Carolyn,
We are so sorry for your loss. Steve was a fine man and a true joy to be with. You and your family are and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron Hamilton says
Dear Carolyn,
I want to offer my condolences to you and your children in the loss of Steve. I will always cherish the relationship that I had with the two of you while in college and working with you in revival services. Steve will be missed. My prayers are with you and the family.
Love,
Ron
James and Barbara Bross says
Dear Carolyn, Ben, Carla and family:
Our hearts are sad that Steve has been taken from you and us. It seems untimely to us, but we are thankful that God is in control. May you all experience the comfort that God alone can give. Fond memories of Steve’s smile and gentle personality are with us still.
Our prayers are with you.
Jim and Barbara
Irene Harrison says
To Sara Saunders Ramseur,
I never had the privilege of meeting your brother, but if he was anything like you, the world lost a wonderful person. My heart goes out to you. Love & prayers, Irene
Susan Pulliam says
Sara Saunders Ramseur: My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the Saunders family. I didn’t know Steve personally but knew he was your brother and a fine man. May God be with all of you.
Burt McKenzie says
I read with great sorrow that Steve had passed. I knew him from Knox Jr High and Boyden. He had a bright smile and sunny disposition, and it was a pleasure to have known him!
Regina Harned, SWU Staff Council says
Dear Saunders Family,
Our prayer is that you feel the love of God through the prayers, thoughts and love, from the hearts of those who care and share in your time of sorrow.
Praying that Our Heavenly Father will comfort your heart and bring peace to your spirit during this difficult time.
With heartfelt sympathy, SWU Staff Council
Rodney & Lisa Johnson says
Carolyn and family, we are saddened beyond words at the loss of Pastor Steve. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that you are and will remain in our prayers. May God comfort you as only He can.
In Sympathy, Rodney & Lisa Johnson
Bobby & Ann Poole says
Carolyn & Family,
We can not put into words what Steve and all of you mean to us. Our hearts are breaking but we know heaven is rejoicing.
We love you,
Ann & Bobby
Patricia Page Brown says
I was saddened to hear of the passing of my friend. We had many good times at Knox and Boyden High School in the Band and other classes. He was always a gentle soul. I am glad to know he took his passion and passed it on to others in his life. He will be missed.
Dianne and Phil Bonkemeyer & Family says
It is with much sadness that we learned of the death of Steve. He was such a delightful person ALWAYS! His contagious smile was so sincere and he preached with such humbleness. Heaven has gained another angel. May God give you Carolyn and your family the strength and courage to get through this difficult time. We are praying for you all.
Love, Dianne, Phil and Family
Jennifer smith says
Carolyn and Family, I love you so much. I will never forget the kindness and compassion you showed Jerry and me when we lived in Florida. Steve was a wonderful example of Christ and I strive to be more like Him. Steve (Cousin ) , your heavenly rewards await you. Love and prayers to all. Jennifer, Jeff and Leonard Smith of Troy, NC.
Wanda Smith says
Dear Carolyn, Ben and Carla, words cannot express our sadness in hearing of Steve’s death. We remember the many times we had together at Salem Wesleyan Church and the many fish dinners we had with you and Steve, Coy Lee and Essie Baxter and Bro. and Sis. John Paulk. Now we all have lost our soul mates but we know Bob, Steve, Coy Lee and Bro. John are already celebrating together in Heaven. Wish we could be with you. Know that our love and prayers are with you all! Much love, Wanda Smith, Rob & Kathy Smith and John & Sheri Ernst and all the children
Jackie and Blanche Ray says
Carolyn, so so sorry to hear of Steve’s death. Words cannot express all the emotions we have for you right now.We have been praying for you all week. He always had a smile on his face for all to see. May you find comfort in God in the days ahead. Love and prayers.
Jackie and Blanche,Central, SC.
David Hillman says
I met Steve in the 7th grade and since we both played the trombone in the band we became friends. One vivid memory is when he brought a slide show of his time in the Amazon with his parents. I can still picture some of the slides and hear his comments. He never came to a reunion that I went to and I have wondered about him over the years. It sounds like he had a meaningful and rewarding life which is not a surprise to me.
Here’s to a great human being!
David Hillman