E.M. “MICKEY” SANDERS, SR. There are good and honest men, who move quietly amongst us, touching our lives in ways we do not fully appreciate until they are gone.

Everett Michael “Mickey” Sanders, Sr., 70, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, at his home on Double Branches Road following a six-year battle with cancer.

He had 25 radiation treatments and was administered five different types of chemotherapy. The only side effect he suffered was losing all of his blond hair. It grew back a dignified shade of white and later turned gray.

The United States Navy veteran bravely took all the indignities of cancer in stride.

A member of the crew of the USS St. Paul, Mickey was decorated for valor in combat during the Vietnam War. He was also on the ship when “In Harm’s Way” was filmed. The movie featured his hero, John Wayne.

After retiring from the Navy with 20 years of service, Mickey worked for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy and later as a records lieutenant.

On January 16, 1981, Mickey married a young widow from Lincolnton named Brenda Holloway Danner.

Even before the “I dos” were said, Mickey had become “Poppy” to Brenda’s two children, Amy, 10, and Marc, 8.

“He had this stern military bearing, but at the same time, he was hilarious,” said Amy, who now has two children of her own. “He had lost the tip end of one of his fingers. When he would point it at us, we’d call it ‘The Finger of Correction.’”

It was also mentioned that Mickey’s family could monitor his mood by the way he adjusted the volume on his hearing aids.

“He was always there for us – he was just Poppy,” Amy continued. “There will never be another one like him. He was funny – he had his own way about him.”

Many city and county residents can testify to the truth of that statement. Mickey served as an officer with the Lincolnton Police Department and then as chief of police for a number of years until his retirement in 2002. He later worked as a deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office until he was diagnosed with cancer.

One of the most rewarding parts of the job for Mickey was working with young people. Later in the day, after the police chief had explained the 911 system to a group of preschool students, young Cole Mattison dialed 911 and asked to speak to Mr. Mickey.

Whether it was opening car doors for students at LCES or patrolling the streets of Lincolnton, Mickey’s life was one of service. He badge was a heart of gold.

When he was not working, Mickey enjoyed fishing, boating, and traveling around the country with Brenda and dog Chipper in their Winnebago. From Billy the Kid’s grave, to the Grand Canyon, to the Colorado Rockies, to Panama City, Florida – the Sanders went anywhere the road would take them.

“We were together all of the time,” said Brenda. “He was my rock, my other half.”

In addition to traveling, Mickey loved watching NASCAR, particularly Mark Martin; “Law and Order;” “NCIS;” “CSI;” “Matlock;” the South Carolina Gamecocks; the LCHS Red Devils; and the Food Network.

In fact, not long before he died, he announced that he was going to purchase a set of Rachel Ray knives and cook. “He could hardly get out of his chair at the time,” said Brenda.

Oddly enough, Mickey’s favorite “food” was coffee.

That mixture of determination and humor helped carry him through his last days. Even when he could no longer verbally tell his family and friends he loved them, he would wink, which meant the same thing.

Mickey left his mark on all of us who had the pleasure to know him. We are better people for having experienced firsthand his brand of courage, his devotion to duty, love for God and county, and beauty of spirit. We’ll miss you, chief.

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