William Walker Sanderson Sr.

William Walker Sanderson, Sr., lovingly known as Billy, 84, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 7, 2026. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Billy was born on January 25, 1942, to Ollie Holman Sanderson and Sallie Scott Sanderson and came from a long line of farmers. A lifelong farmer himself, he was proud to carry on his family’s agricultural heritage and lived on the Sanderson family farm, which has been in the family since the 1700s. He was happiest working on the farm, where he devoted his life to the land and the traditions passed down through his family. Billy was proud to have earned his American FFA Degree through the National FFA Organization.

For 61 years, Billy shared a beautiful life with his beloved wife, Geraldine Stimpson Sanderson. Truly inseparable, they did everything together and stood by each other through all of life’s seasons.

Beyond his work on the farm, Billy found joy in piddling around in his shop, working on and modifying equipment, and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed camping with the 7-Hills RV Club, where he made many fond memories. He had a sweet tooth and never turned down a good dessert. With his kind heart, good sense of humor, and special way of making people feel loved, Billy brought warmth wherever he went. He also loved his dogs and always had one by his side, including his beloved golden retriever, Zoie.

Billy’s faith was central to his life. He faithfully served the Lord through Payne Memorial Church and served as a Gideon for nearly 30 years through Gideons International. Through his example, he leaves a lasting legacy of faith, hard work, love, and devotion—one that will continue through the generations of his family.

Billy is survived by his wife, Geraldine; his children, Carol Anne Seal (Terry) and William Walker “Will” Sanderson, Jr. (Laura); his grandchildren, Allison Grace Sanderson (Carson), Ellen Zanie Bryant (Jacob), William Walker “Walker” Sanderson III (Jessica), Jesse Hunter Sanderson (Eliza), Caroline Nicole Seal, and Rebekah Jordan Sanderson (John Wheeler); and his great-grandchildren, William Walker “Liam” Sanderson IV, Emma Gray Bryant, Tate Henry Sanderson, Madalyn Elizabeth Bryant, and Jackson Eldridge Bryant.

Billy’s greatest legacy was not simply the farm he worked or the things he built, but the family he cherished and the faith he passed down. His presence will be deeply missed at the farm, around the dinner table, at church, around the campfire, and in all the everyday places made special by his love.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family dearly, and his family loved him even more. We find peace, comfort, and hope in knowing that, through our faith, this is not goodbye forever. We look forward to the day when we will see him again and be together once more.

We trust he was greeted by Jesus and heard the words he so longed for: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be held at Puckett Funeral Home in Farmville on Wednesday, September 9, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Payne Memorial Church in Cumberland Court House on Thursday, September 10, at 11:00 a.m. Immediate family will have a private burial at Centenary Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Payne Memorial Church, P.O. Box 323, Cumberland, VA 23040, or Gideons International, P.O. Box 14, Farmville, VA 23901.