Raymond Abney Sanders

Memorial services with military honors for Raymond Abney Sanders will be held Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Lufkin with a reception to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Raymond Abney Sanders, 84, of Lufkin, Texas passed away peacefully Saturday, May 16, 2026 at The Joseph House.

Born November 23, 1941 in San Antonio, Texas to Margaret (Abney) and Col. Walter Cowart Sanders, Raymond spent his childhood years in Quito, Ecuador and Virginia while his dad was stationed there while serving in the U.S. Army. He returned to Texas to attend high school in Fort Worth before continuing his education at the New Mexico Military Institute and later the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1965 as 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Raymond served with the 3rd Armored Division in Germany and the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam as platoon leader and company commander. A devoted veteran, he was deeply proud of his military service, though he rarely spoke of his accomplishments, often saying any accolades belonged to the men who served beside him.

Raymond was the recipient of two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars and numerous other awards.

In 1965 he married Carolin (Shands) Sanders, beginning a 61-year marriage built on love, loyalty and family.

Raymond retired as Plant Manager from Temple-Inland after 30 years of service. He was known for his discipline, independence, and exceptionally high standards - for himself and everyone around him. He believed in hard work, self-reliance, and discipline.

An active and adventurous outdoorsman, Raymond loved mountain biking, downhill and cross-country skiing, fly fishing, and hunting - doing all well into his late 70s. He especially enjoyed time spent in New Mexico and the mountains he loved so much. He also loved sharing those adventures with his children and grandchildren, passing along his appreciation for the outdoors and active living.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church Lufkin, Raymond leaves behind his wife, Carolin (Shands) Sanders of Lufkin; son, Robert Shands Sanders and wife Jenny (Cearley) Sanders of Apple Springs; daughter-in-law, Hannah Lea Temple of Austin; grandchildren, Nathan John Sanders, Caden Cook Sanders, Mary Ellen Sanders, and Robert Abney Sanders; twin sisters, Nancy Grob and Sherry Augustine and husband Alan Augustine; sisters-in-law, Susan Simpson and Julie Shands; and numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Christopher Linn Sanders and John Raymond Sanders; and brothers-in-law, Darin Simpson, Douglass Shands, and Chuck Grob.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Joseph House, P.O. Box 150554, Lufkin, Texas 75915, First Baptist Church Lufkin, 106 E Bremond Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901, Trout Unlimited, P.O. Box 98166, Washington, DC 20090, or Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.