Arnold Eriel “Earl” Saunders

Willow Spring- Arnold Eriel Saunders, 96, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday. He was born in Ashley Heights, Hoke County, NC, the first son of the late Paul V. and Lois Fish Saunders. He retired from C.C. Mangum, Inc. as Vice President of the Asphalt Division in 1985. After retirement he and his wife traveled the United States extensively. In addition to traveling, he was an avid Bluegrass music fan and loved putting old motors and machines in working order that others thought could not be repaired. He believed in working hard, honesty, and helping others; always willing to go out of his way to help, never expecting anything in return. His family will cherish many fond memories of their loving father, grandfather, “Daddy Eriel”, and great-grandfather. He was predeceased by his parents; his wife of 68 years, Ruby McLean Saunders, son, Paul Larry Saunders; sister, Eunice Saunders Carroll, brother, Kemp Saunders and dear friend, Johnny Ray Myatt. He is survived by his daughters, Linda S. Blackwelder and husband, Scott; Deborah S. West and husband, David all of Fuquay-Varina; grandchildren, Paul Larry Saunders, Jr. of Illinois, Melanie Howard Ernst and husband, Buck of Comer Ga., Felecia Howard Hipp and husband, Greg of Fuquay-Varina; Sunny Blackwelder Lee and husband, Cam, Shan Blackwelder Brown all of Wilmington, Kristie Bullock Akins, Jim Bullock and fiancé, Sharon all of Fuquay-Varina; great-grandchildren, T.J. Bullock, Lauden Ernst, Kolby Medlin, Wyatt Medlin, Lizzie Akins, Rylee Ernst and Will Akins; sisters, Josephine Saunders of New York, Inez Alexakos of Virginia, Jeanette Lucas and husband, Joe of Maryland and sister-in-law, Doris Tucker of Florida. Funeral Services will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Angier, NC at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, March 28, 2018. Visitation will take place from 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm, prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC   27607.