KILMARNOCK—Neale Edmonds Sanders Jr., 79, of Kilmarnock passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026. He was born on May 9, 1947, in White Stone, to the late Neale and Emma Humphreys Sanders.
Neale joined the U.S. Army in 1966 where he served as a helicopter crew chief. In 1968, he married the love of his life, Diana Lynn Kyzer of White Stone. Together they built a family and remained lifelong residents of the area.
He was a strong and devoted father to his sons, Todd Sanders (Melanie) of Kilmarnock and Chad Sanders (Stacey) of Cicero, Ind.; a proud grandfather to Alexandra Nicholson (Chisolm) of Greenville, S.C., and Lauren, Ryan and Kinley Sanders of Cicero; and great-grandfather to Mary Gunter Nicholson.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Diana.
In addition to his sons and grandchildren, Neale is survived by his sisters, Cathe Elswick (Darnell) and Mary Stuart Conner; and brother-in-law, Howard Kyzer (Pat).
Neale was a dedicated member of the White Stone Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chief in the mid 80s and remained a lifetime member.
Following his military service, Neale went on to have a career with Noblett’s prior to his role in founding Northern Neck Generator Inc.
Outside of his work and family, Neale was a classic car enthusiast and enjoyed Civil War relic hunting. He was known and respected for his exceptional technical and mechanical abilities and willingness to help and teach others.
A celebration of life honoring Neale will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 15, at the White Stone Volunteer Fire Department.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
