Mr. Ray "Butch" Sanders

Sergeant Julian Ray “Butch” Sanders, 79, U.S.M.C and longtime resident of Woodville, AL went to his heavenly home on July 16, 2025 peacefully with his devoted wife, holding his hand, his son, daughter-in-love, grandchildren and family by his side. Julian Ray Sanders was born October 27, 1945 to Jack and Edith Sanders of Skyline, AL where he grew up and attended Woodville High School. He met the love of his life Geneva Ann Pockrus, and they married on May 7, 1966. They shared an unshakable love and devotion to one another for 59 wonderful years. In 1964, Ray joined the United States Marines, where he proudly served his country from 1964 to 1968. He was the recipient of 2 Purple Hearts for his injuries suffered during the Vietnam War. After the Vietnam War, where he was critically wounded, and his 11-month healing process, when his service ended, he settled down with Geneva and started their life in Woodville where they raised their 2 kids, Kristie and Scott. Ray worked for 28 years for the Jackson County Board of Education in the Maintenance Department and 5 years with the Town of Woodville. And he was always ready and available to lend a hand whenever anyone needed help in the field or fixing anything. He had a great passion for the great outdoors and loved to hunt and fish whenever possible. His favorite spot being a little plot of land on top of Maxwell Mtn.where he would go hunt, look for arrowheads and just seek peace from the busy world. Ray’s greatest pride and joy were his 4 grandchildren, Davin, Garrett, Lane and Anna. He would tell anyone about them, brag on them and tell you how proud he was of them. He taught them how to ride a bike, fish and tinker around on just about anything. And he was their HERO. Ray was a husband, dad, papa, uncle, friend, father figure, mentor and loved by so many. Sergeant Julian Ray “Butch” Sanders leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Geneva Pockrus Sanders; daughter, Kristie Sanders; son, Scott (Amanda) Sanders; grandchildren, Davin (Matthew) Moss, Corporal Garrett Brown, U.S.M.C., Lane Sanders and Anna Sanders; sister, Carolyn (David) Baker; brother and sister-in-law, James & Wanda Stewart and several nephews, nieces and great nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Edith Sanders and brother, Tony Sanders. The Sanders family would like to thank everyone for all the love and prayers they have received during this time. And a special thank you to the staff at Crestwood Medical Center ICU for the care and compassion the gave Ray and our family while he was in their care. Visitation will be held at Scottsboro Funeral Home on Sunday, July 20, 2025 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Scottsboro Funeral Home with Bro. Lynn Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, with military honors.

Mr. Ray "Butch" Sanders

October 27, 1945 - July 16, 2025