Lanny Ray "Buck" Sanders, Jr.

Lanny Ray "Buck" Sanders, Jr., passed away peacefully, surrounded in love, on January 3, 2026, at the age of 52. Ray was born on June 26, 1973, at Atrium Health Pineville Hospital and lived a life marked by strength, resilience, and a deep love for his family and God.

Ray was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He shared 30 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Indira, and together they built a family rooted in God's love, favor, honor, and perseverance. He was a proud father to his three children: Ariel (Matthew), Alessandra, and Noah, and a proud grandfather to his two grandsons, Reed and Elias, who brought him immense joy and happiness.

Ray found peace and purpose in the simple things he loved most. He enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, and he took special pride and joy in raising and caring for chickens. These passions reflected his appreciation for nature, patience, and a life lived close to home whether he was showing his children how to properly tie a fishing knot or sharing words of wisdom and encouragement with a side of laughter, a tight hug, and an "I love you, quit being so hard-headed."

Known for his easygoing nature and compassionate heart, Ray had a way of showing up for the people he loved and making sure they knew it. He was dependable, genuine, and always willing to help others without hesitation. Those who knew him best will remember his strength, laughter, and the love and pride he shared for his family and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ray was preceded in death by his grandmother, CoraLee Sanders; his mother, Mary Garrett Ramey; and his father, Lanny Ray Sanders, Sr.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Greene Funeral Service, West Chapel, 216 Archie Whitesides Road Gastonia, officiated by Dr. Dennis Gomez. The family will receive friends 1-2 pm prior to the service. The burial will be at Westview Gardens, Bessemer City, with Chad Crenshaw, Matthew Davis, Joseph Crenshaw, Jonathon Crenshaw, William Crenshaw and Joe Robertson serving as pallbearers.

Ray's legacy lives on through the laughter he shared with others and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for who he always was.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." Revelation 21:4

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Ray's honor to support research and awareness for POLG-related disorders. Contributions may be made to The POLG Foundation link below:

https://polgfoundation.org/events/in-loving-memory-of-lanny-ray-buck-sanders-jr/