"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him." 2 Cor. 5:8-9

Surrounded by loved ones, Gary Saunders - beloved husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, and devoted pastor - was called home by his Lord and Savior on November 4, 2026, at the age of 80.

Born on July 17, 1946, in Lincoln County, Gary was the youngest son of McDowell McClure (Mack) and Mary Lawing Saunders. Gary's father passed away just months before Gary was born. It was a formative and defining circumstance that he often referred to as a provenance in his relationship to his Heavenly Father, saying that God was the only Father he knew.

Gary devoted an extraordinary 53 years of his life to pastoring and guiding countless souls to Christ with wisdom and compassion. "You'll find that" was a phrase known well to anyone who heard him preach; and you would find that he lived what he preached even behind closed doors. His unwavering dedication to his faith was reflected in his love for the Bible, which he read daily, finding truth and grace within its pages.

His smiling eyes, humor, and warmth were constants in the lives of those he met and knew best. Gary Mack (as called by friends and family) had a remarkable gift for making others laugh and an imagination he shared with his grandchildren that took them on endless adventures, often without ever leaving the living room. His love for family was evident in every smile, embrace, cross eyed funny face, silly hat, and shared laugh. He cherished every moment spent in their company.

A jack of all trades, Gary had an abundance of skills. He was musically inclined and could play by ear on any instrument he put his hands on. Gary loved music and found joy in using his gifts to praise the Lord through singing. Whether it was that good ole family harmony or melodious duets with his beautiful wife, it was always much to the delight of anyone within earshot.

In his younger years, he was an avid outdoorsman, golfer, and quite artistic. Later in life, Gary enjoyed hobbies of gunsmithing, shooting at the range, collecting NRA coins, and giving his grandkids rides on the tractor. He was also a handyman around the house, and he applied those talents in the various trades he worked throughout his life.

"You'll find that" Gary had a deep appreciation for good food, often times being the one thing that brought out just a little impatience in him. If the timing was just right, you wouldn't even be able to make it to your seat before he would start and complete the blessing! He loved the fellowship that a meal with family and friends brought, savoring every bite, every slice of lemon meringue pie, and every conversation had around the table.

Gary leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Nancy, whose love, partnership, and shared commitment to Christ were the cornerstones of his life. His legacy continues through his children - Terry (Jensie) Saunders and Mark (Christine) Saunders, and his grandchildren, Jessica (Jason) Simpson, Kayla J. (Matthew) Blowers, Jena (Luke) Hinson, Julia (Titus) Cruse, Timothy, Tyler, Jaleigh, Jaden, Jane Saunders, as well as Jordan and Tyler Desrosiers. Gary was also blessed with the joy of a great-grandchild, Conrad Hinson, whose future will be touched by the stories and godly heritage of his great-grandfather. Gary Mack is also survived by his brother, David, and sister, Geneva Saunders. Gary was predeceased by his beloved parents, McDowell McClure (Mack) and Mary, his sister Brenda, and his sister-in-law Carolyn Saunders, all whom he cherished deeply.

In remembrance of Gary and in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests any donations be made in his memory to Union Baptist Church, whose members so loved and took such exceptional care of him and his family for the past 19 years. This gesture would honor Gary’s legacy of love, faith, and service to his Lord and Savior.

As we bid farewell to Gary Saunders, we celebrate a life well-lived that was marked by faith, love, and laughter. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. While we may be a little sad for ourselves, we are not sad for him. He met his eternal goal. He fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. If you think he is sorry to be gone from this earth, we sincerely believe he’d tell you, "You'd better think another thunk!"

Family will receive friends on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. with a service at 12 p.m. at the Union Baptist Church, 2801 McCorkle Rd., Lincolnton, NC 28092. Burial will follow in the Union Baptist Cemetery.

Warlick Funeral Home of Lincolnton, N.C. is serving the Saunders family.