Eric Sanders

Thursday, December 7, 2006 — Stephen Eric Sanders, 30, of 11242 Curlee Road, Norwood, died at 5:44 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 5, 2006, in Stanly Regional Medical Center.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Hartsell Funeral Home’s Lefler Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Sid Martin will officiate and burial will be in Smith’s Grove Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Oakboro.

Born Oct. 12, 1976, in Stanly County, he was a son of Lisa Curlee Boles of Peachland and Stephen D. Sanders of Albemarle. Eric had a deep love for his family, especially his younger brother Danny and sister Krystal, always seeing himself as their “protector.” He was sincerely devoted to his maternal grandparents, Willie Jay and Syble Curlee, being mainly responsible for raising him in his early years. To his nephews he was affectionately known as “Ric-Ric.”

Eric lived his life on his terms, never intentionally hurting anyone. He had a great love for music and had played in local bands; music was a large part of his life. To any that wonder, Eric had a spiritual side, and often discussed this with his mother. He is at peace now with Jesus.

The family also wishes to thank Stanly County Deputy Francisco Porras, and to his many friends for their exceptional kindness.

Eric’s mother requests that for his viewing and his funeral service, no formal clothing. Please come in your jeans and T-shirts., This is how Eric would have wanted it. Anyone wishing to speak at the funeral service may do so. This is a tribute to his life. Please help us celebrate it.

He is survived by his mother, Lisa Curlee Boles and husband Kenneth of Peachland; his father, Stephen D. Sanders of Albemarle; his maternal grandparents, Willie Jay and Syble Curlee of Aquadale; a brother, Stephen Daniel Burleson Jr. of Albemarle; a sister, Krystal Alisha Burleson of Aquadale; three nephews, Sean Kristopher Lowder of Albemarle and Dominick and Demitri Hammond of Aquadale, all of whom he loved dearly; his stepfather, Stephen Daniel Burleson of Charlotte; his uncle and aunt, Jay and Betty Curlee of Aquadale; his cousin, Daniel Jay Curlee of Marion; his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Carol Sanders of Albemarle, whom he affectionately called “Granny;” his best friend, Jeremy Sweet of Aquadale; a lifelong friend, Johnny Owens of Albemarle; two special girlfriends, Heather Auton of Bryceville, Fla., and Michelle Harris of New London; and special friends, Dustin Mabry, Eric Hill and Quentin Smith.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle. At other times they will meet at the home of his grandparents, Willie Jay and Syble, 11242 Culee Road, Norwood.