Brian Sanders

Brian Christopher Sanders, 42, of Kannapolis, NC went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. He has been completely healed from the physical burdens that plagued him for 12.5 years following a devastating brain injury. After being trapped in utter darkness for so long, the first thing he saw was the face of Jesus! Praise the Lord!

Brian was born December 31, 1980 in Dothan, Alabama to Ronald Dwayne Sanders and Cheryl Angela Sanders, and he forever changed their life for better. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Willie Martin Sanders of Headland, AL; paternal grandmother, Audrey Roney Sanders of Headland, AL; and maternal grandmother Clara Bell of Dothan, AL.

Survivors include his faithful and loving wife of 20 years, Catherine Elizabeth (Liz) Sanders of Kannapolis, NC; daughter, Sawyer-Elizabeth Sanders (14) and son, Bennett Christopher Sanders (12);  doting father, Ronald Dwayne Sanders, and loving mother, Cheryl Angela Sanders of Concord, NC; his “evil in-laws”, Ed and Sondra Polley of Concord, NC; grandfather, Gerald Bell of Dothan, AL; uncle, Roger Bell (Amy) of Moore, SC; aunt, Martha Faison of Headland, AL; brother-in-law, Jeremy Polley (Amy) of Concord, NC; sister-in-law, Jennifer Michaelson (Greg) of Spring Creek, NV; cousins, Daniel and Kaitlyn Bell; and nephews/nieces Miles Michaelson, Jack Michaelson, Elizabeth Michaelson, Wyatt Michaelson, Moses Polley, Judah Polley, Yari Falkowski, Landon Falkowski, and London Falkowski; each and every one of whom he affectionately called Booger! Brian also leaves behind deeply devoted and treasured caregivers, Delia Lopez, Heather Falkowski, Martha Helms, and Deandra Delamar, who shuttled him to appointments, managed countless medications over the years, helped him go to Logan’s Roadhouse for lunch seven days a week, deliver donuts to law enforcement and first responders, go to the farm to pet/brush his horse, Solo, go meet new dogs at Dorton Park, shop for the perfect honey crisp apples, and help care for his therapy poodles, Lucy and Bailey. The family extends profound thanks to Dr. John Gambino for answering Brian’s every call, listening to him describe each symptom, and helping reassure him when he was fearful about his health. We will always be grateful to you! Lastly, we simply do not have the words to convey our gratitude to his most faithful friend who visited weekly for all twelve and a half years after his brain injury, Doug Poppen. A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. ~ Proverbs 18:24

Brian was a loving husband, father, son, grandson, nephew, cousin, neighbor, and friend. He was a dedicated Prosecutor during his time at the Cabarrus County District Attorney’s office, and he was a fiercely loyal supporter of the Concord Police, Kannapolis Police, and the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s department. He enjoyed photography, painting, and most of all fishing! His favorite pastime had become lunch meetings (at Logan’s, of course!) with his pastors: Chad A. Miller, Charlie Cole, Brandon Whedbee, Ryan Epley, and David Bogran. Each of these friends consistently spoke truth, hope, and encouragement into Brian’s weary heart and soul. The last 12.5 years of his life were heavy laden with pain, blindness, hearing deficits, and severe memory deficits. He had to fight for every moment of joy he found, and the only relief we feel during this devastating loss is the eternally secure promise we have that we will see him again.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm - 1:45 pm, Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at West Cabarrus Church, 7655 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord, NC 28027.  Brian’s celebration of life service will follow at 2:00 pm at West Cabarrus Church in Concord officiated by Pastor Chad A. Miller. Burial will take place at the Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis immediately following the service. The family encourages any law enforcement members who attend to wear your uniforms, so we can all recognize your sacrifice and dedication, and honor you accordingly. We also encourage friends and family alike to dress in cheerful colors, to celebrate the newfound and forever healing Brian has gained in Heaven!

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Wings of Eagles Ranch, to care for Brian’s horse, Dolly. He loved horseback riding and said it helped him feel a sense of freedom that being blind had taken from him. Brian would want other children and adults with special needs to benefit from this amazing program, and they can really use our support! Donations can be made at wingsofeaglesranch.org or by texting the word Ranch to 732-56.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Sanders family.