Claude Carlton Saunders "Carl" "Dad" "Dad II" and "Granddaddy", 91, of Wauchula, Florida, passed peacefully, at home, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. He was born on October 12, 1932, in Augusta, Georgia.

Carl attended grade school at Wauchula Elementary and in 1950 his was the first class to graduate from the newly built Wauchula High School, (which is now Wauchula Elementary). In the fall of 1950, he went on to play baseball (pitcher) at the University of Florida. His baseball career was cut short due to an elbow injury during his sophomore year. With his baseball career over, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During this time, he had earned his pilot's license and wanted to fly airplanes for the military. In training he became a Navigator, and his first assignment was at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fl. While stationed in Tampa he met and fell in love with Caroline Weigle. He and Carol married January 6, 1957. In total, Carl served in the United States Air Force for 13 years and then an additional eight years in the Air Force Reserves, he retired as an Air Force Major. In his next career he became a Captain with American Airlines. Carl then worked for and retired after 27 years with American Airlines. His flying assignments took him to various places in the United States and internationally including Tokyo, Bogota, Puerto Rico, and Lima, Peru. Over the years he had the opportunity to fly a variety of airplanes including the DC6, DC7, Boeing 707 and 747, Airbus A300, Cessna 182, and Cessna 310.

Carl was an active member of many organizations and associations including, First Baptist Church of Wauchula; a Commander of the American Legion, Local Post 2, for four years; and Chairman of the Wauchula Airport Authority for eight years.

Mr. Saunders was preceded in death by his parents, James Roswell Saunders, and Mattie Mae Saunders; wife Caroline Mae Weigle; brother James Roswell Saunders, Jr.; and son-in-law, Daniel Wilson.

He is survived by daughters, Carla Kay Prescott, and husband Gary; Beth Allison Wilson; Diana Lynn Callaghan and husband Mark; and son, Craig Carlton Saunders, and wife Gretchen; grandchildren Lesley Mitchell; Loren Mednick, Ben Prescott, Katelyn Coggins, Cherise Pashkow, Baylie Callaghan, and Trenton Wilson; and nine great grandchildren.

A very special thank you to Granddaughter and caregiver, Baylie Callaghan, for her love and time taking care of Grandaddy. Also, to Cindy Cook and the amazing team from Good Shepard Hospice including Mark Gillard, Jennifer Jordan, Kasey Scaffe, and Chaplin Scott Dixon.

For donations in lieu of flowers for Carl C. Saunders:

Heger Williams

American Legion, Post 2

117 W. Palmetto

Wauchula, FL 33873

Good Shepard Hospice

Attn: Jennifer Forde

1110 Hammock Rd

Sebring, FL 33870

Hardee County Education Foundation Sherri Albritton, Executive Director

Re: Carl Saunders Baseball Scholarship Program

Phone: 863-773-9058 Mail: PO Box 1678, Wauchula, FL 33873

Online condolences may be made at: www.pongerkaysgrady.com.

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.