SAUNDERS, Barry Eugene, of Richmond, VA, entered the City that God has waiting for us on Monday, May 1, 2018. He was born on September 19, 1932, in Gibsonville, NC, to the late Thomas Julius and Grace Evans Saunders.

Barry is survived by his bride of 61 years, Betty Jean Watkins Saunders; his son, Barry Eugene Saunders, Jr. (Emilie); his daughters, Leslie Saunders Williford (Jim) and Stepheny Saunders James (Allen); seven grandchildren: Ellie Saunders Sibiga (Tommy), Luke Saunders (Sarah Lynn), Gracie Williford Magyar (Brian), Mary Vaughan Williford Brown (Morgan), Timothy James (Lauren), Joshua James and Peter James; and four great-grandchildren: Tucker and Noah Sibiga, Olivia Saunders, and Evans Magyar; his brother and sisters and their families; and his brother-and-sister-in-law, Steve and Cat Watkins and their family.

Barry grew up in the Carter Fabrics neighborhood of South Boston, VA, the eldest of six siblings: brothers Tom (Rita) and Bill, deceased (Becky); and sisters Sylvia Compton (Beverly), Jane Beale (Ronnie) and Sue Wright (Ronnie, deceased). He attended C.H. Friend High School, Fork Union Military Academy and the University of Richmond, excelling in academics and multiple sports. He played semi-pro baseball for the South Boston Wrappers and served as captain for both the basketball and baseball teams at U of R. He was inducted into the Halifax County/South Boston Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and the University of Richmond Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

Barry worked as a certified public account, beginning his career in corporate accounting before starting his own practice in the early 1970s. His dedication to his profession and to serving and caring for his clients (who also were his friends) continued right up until his death.

Barry’s family wishes to express deep gratitude to the team at Westminster Canterbury, especially the chaplains and the care givers on the third floor of The Pavilion and Health Care Center; to Nurse Joyce Brookman and the team at Hospice of Virginia; and to Dr. Jim Mumper, Barry’s physician and friend.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 8th at 10 o’clock at Third Church, 600 Forest Avenue, Richmond, VA 23229, followed by a 4 o’clock graveside service at Bethesda Baptist Church near the family lake home on Buggs Island Lake.

In honor of Barry’s longstanding commitment to ensuring young people can receive opportunities like he did, the family suggests contributions in memory of Barry Saunders to the Access Scholarships Fund, Fork Union Military Academy, 4744 James Madison Highway, Fork Union, VA 23055, 800-462-3862.

Online condolences may be placed at www.farrarfuneralhome.net. Farrar Funeral Home of South Hill is serving the family.