ZEBULON - Joseph “Joe” Reuben Saunders, 85, died Sunday, April 19, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Funeral services were Tuesday, April 21, at Heritage Baptist Church, with the Rev. David Dupree officiating. Burial will be at 11 a.m. today (Wednesday, April 22) at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 809 W. Gannon Avenue, Zebulon.

He was born in Pitt County to the late Willie G. Saunders and Maggie Ellis Saunders. He was a retired employee of NCDOT. He came from a family of 13, of which several  brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

Surviving: wife, Sadie “Lou” Weddings Saunders; daughter, Brenda S. Dupree (David); sisters, Pat S. Wheeler of Wilson and Margaret S. Thorne of Alabama; brother, Durwood Saunders of Tarboro; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Baptist Church Bus Ministry, 615 Mack Todd Road, Zebulon, NC 27597.

Condolences to the family may be made at www.poolefuneral.com under Obituaries.