December 28, 1951 – July 23, 2025

  

Raymond Ellis Saunders, Jr., 73, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2025.  He had recently been diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma (cancer of the bile duct). After a brief hospitalization and beginning treatment, he returned home under hospice care on July 9th. 

 

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Raymond was the son of the late Lillian Daisy and Raymond Ellis Saunders, Sr. He graduated from Hermitage High School in 1970 and went on to work as a mechanic for the Virginia National Guard. He also served honorably for 10 years in the U.S. Army National Guard. A hard worker his entire life, Raymond held a variety of jobs before founding his own business, Shul-Mar Equipment, specializing in marine lifts. He ran the business until his retirement in 2016.

 

He had a deep love for music and played multiple instruments. He jammed with his buddies in a band, T-Fog (The Freaking Old Guys), wrote original songs, and transformed a section of his detached garage—lovingly dubbed the “Eagle’s Nest”—into his personal music studio, packed with gear and creativity.

 

He was also a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. Raymond had some form of two-wheeled ride since he was young and spent countless hours riding, making modifications, and encouraging anyone who shared the interest.

 

A devoted dog lover, Raymond had a special connection with animals—he was always happy to dog-sit for friends and family, and more than once, admitted he sometimes liked dogs better than people.

 

Raymond was a natural tinkerer who could fix just about anything. In retirement, he became the neighborhood’s go-to handyman—repairing bikes for kids, working on cars, lawnmowers, garage doors, hot tubs—whatever needed fixing.  He was generous with his time, dependable, and full of character. Everyone knew they could count on Raymond.

 

While we all wish he could’ve stayed with us longer, we know he wouldn’t have wanted to live as he did in those final days—and we know, without a doubt, that he could not have lived a fuller life.

 

In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his daughter, Renee Saunders Parr.

 

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Laverne Crumpler; his daughter, Rachel Saunders; his son-in-law, Zach Parr; and his cherished grandchildren, Avery and Grady. He also leaves behind many “bonus grandchildren” who adored him, as well as his brother Noel (Bubba), sisters Valerie and Theresa, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss him deeply.

 

A Celebration of Raymond’s Life will be held at a later date.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Hanover Education Foundation, Attn: Renee’s Cheerios.  Please contact Margaret Hill at the Hanover Education Foundation at (804) 365-4500.