Daniel Stephan Saunders, age 93, passed away on November 24, 2021, after a brief illness.
He was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida where he attended various public schools before graduating high school at Presbyterian Junior College in Maxton, NC. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended Duke University for two years under the Navy V5 pilot training program. Upon completion of flight training Dan was commissioned as an Ensign and received his “wings” as a Naval Aviator. He completed carrier qualification and served in the fleet during the Korean War flying single engine fighter-bombers from a variety of aircraft carriers. After receiving an honorable discharge Dan continued his career in aviation as a pilot at Eastern Airlines for 33 years before retiring as Captain in 1988.
He is survived by five children: Jane Heede, Steve, Sandra, Karen and Mark; his brother Rollin; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A remembrance will be held on January 2, 2022.
“Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was”.
Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
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