Harold Fulton Saunders

Mr. Harold Fulton "Pat" Saunders, a lifelong resident of Halifax County passed away October 22, 2015 at the age of 91 at Sentara Woodview. He was born on December 27, 1923. He was born on a tobacco farm in Nathalie, VA and was the firstborn son of Ed Isaac and Estelle Overstreet Saunders. On May 5, 1943 he joined the United States Army and was assigned to the new Tank Destroyer Corps. In Europe, he served as a driver for an M-18 Hellcat tank destroyer the crew nicknamed "Cobra". As a part of the 661st Tank Destroyer Unit, C Company, 3rd platoon, 1st Army under General Hodges, he fought with the 69th and 28th Divisions through France, Belgium and around Leipzig, Germany. His unit saw action in the "Battle of the Bulge". After the war, he continued to work on his family's farm. He later farmed on his own, was a meter reader for Vepco and opened the Centerville Esso Station. He retired as a welder for Westinghouse in South Boston. His hobbies included rabbit hunting and training AKC registered beagles for himself and others. He helped build the Pine State Beagle Club near his home Grubby Road in Halifax County. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elnora "Toot" Wilborn Saunders of South Boston; two sons Harold Mark Saunders and wife Linda, of Midlothian, VA and David Lee Saunders and wife, Diane, of Halifax, VA; two grandsons, Allen Mark Saunders and wife Leslie, of Sterling, VA and Paul Andrew Saunders and wife, Donna, of Midlothian, VA; two great grandsons, Nathaniel Mark Saunders and Noah Paul Saunders and a great granddaughter Natalie Marie Saunders, one step grandson, Henry Carter III and wife Kandace, of Madison Heights, VA ; two step grandchildren, seven step great grandchildren-Kaylynn, Alex, Nichols, Nevan, Dillon, Magdalyn, and Brianna; three brothers E B "John" Saunders and wife Jewel of Nathalie, VA; Luke Saunders and wife Francis, of Lynchburg, VA and James "Jimmy" Saunders and wife Lone of Halifax, VA; three sisters Mabel Hudson of Halifax, VA; Jean Farmer and husband Johnny of Chase City; and Nancy Foster and husband "J C"of Waynesboro, VA. He was preceded in death by three half-brothers; Jack Saunders, Frank Saunders and Raymond Saunders; and one sister; Alice Saunders. Funeral service will be held Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 3:00P.M. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Osborne officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Powell Funeral Home. For memorials, consider Halifax County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 1891, Halifax, VA 24558