Charlie James Sanders

CHARLIE JAMES SANDERS, son of the late Willie Sanders and Geneva (Giles) Fair and brother of the late Eva Mae Monroe and Francis Fair, was born on July 21, 1934 in Chester, South Carolina. He succumbed to this life on January 21, 2023. Charlie moved to Baltimore when he was 4 years old and was raised by his grandmother Mary (Giles) Sanders and his aunt Panela Giles. Growing up Charlie went to church every Sunday at Gilmore & Saratoga Baptist Church where he learned how to play the piano. Charlie as a teenager and young adult enjoyed dressing up and going to the Royal Theater to see entertainers like James Brown, Fats Domino, Sammy Davis Jr. and many others. Charlie received his education in the Baltimore City Public School System, graduating from Carver Vocational High School in 1951. Charlie’s trade in school was auto mechanics; he went on to make auto mechanics his career. Charlie competed in several sports while in high school including track, tennis, football, and wrestling. As captain of the wrestling team, Charlie became state champion boasting an undefeated record during his 4 years. The nickname “Rocco” was given to Charlie because he wrestled with no shoes on. Charlie was drafted in the Army during the time of the Korean War and served his country overseas. Charlie met Mildred and her daughter Deborah in 1957. Charlie married Mildred on September 19, 1959. This union with Mildred produced five children and they remained married for 63 years until Charlie’s demise. Charlie’s career in auto mechanics led him to work for the City of Baltimore for 30 years as a foreman, and he also worked for Burns Security as a guard for a trucking company for 20 years. He is survived by: his spouse, Mildred Sanders; four daughters, Deborah, Valerie, Cynthia, Lynn (Jeffrey Horne son-in-law); sons, William, Mark (Tiffany Friend daughter-in-law); grandchildren, Shawn (Damita) Robinson, Gregory (Tiffany) Sims, Alethea Sims, Michael Shaw, Erica Sanders, Kayla Bailey, Jeannelle Byrd, Alvin McSwain, Jerome Horne, Benjamin Horne, Kayla Horne; great-grandchildren, Nattie Robinson, Michael Robinson, Layla Sims, Lauryn Sims, Kai Bailey, Ari Bailey, Lathan Byrd, Lonnie Byrd; great-nieces Monique Allen, Lakeisha Jackson, Ebony Harris; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Charlie James Sanders

July 21, 1934 - January 21, 2023