Doward M. Sanders,

BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA - Doward M. Sanders, 83, of Beaufort, died Sunday, March 17th at the Veteran's Victory House in Walterboro after a brief illness. Born on December 25, 1929 in Port Wentworth, Georgia, he was the son of the late August J. Sanders and Aline Crochet Sanders. He was predeceased by his wife Kitty and son Matt. Doward enlisted in the Navy in 1948, serving as a fireman aboard the USS Antietam. After his tour, he joined the Air National Guard. During the Korean War, he was called back to active duty in the Air Force until the end of the war. He was a graduate of Savannah High School and after the war he attended Armstrong State College to complete his degree. Doward worked at the Savannah Sugar Refinery in Port Wentworth, GA before moving to Brunswick, GA with his family in the early sixties. He later joined his brother, Augie, in Beaufort, SC to assist him in the construction business. In the early eighties, Doward began his real estate career with Sea Pines Realty, later teaming with Helen Harvey and Joan Fordham to form Lowcountry Real Estate. He served as Broker in Charge until his retirement in 1999. Doward was a founding member of the Lady's Island Business and Professional Association. He was also instrumental in starting the Keep America Beautiful Campaign to clean up roadside trash. In 1986, he was selected Realtor of the Year in 1989 he was selected as the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year. He served for three years on the Palmetto Federal Bank Board of Directors. Perhaps Doward's proudest achievement was the formation of the American Marine Institute in Beaufort. Formally known as the Beaufort Marine Institute, Doward served as Chairman for fifteen years and was named Chairman Emeritus by the board after his retirement. Known for his quick wit, broad smile and infectious laughter, Doward will be sorely missed by family and friends. He was a true southern gentleman and an avid golfer. He has made his tee time in Heaven with the Lord. Surviving are his daughter, Cindy O'Neal and husband Billy of Beaufort, brothers Augie Sanders of Savannah, GA and Bobby Sanders of Midway, GA; four grandchildren Paige Walling (Jeremy), Patrick Sumler (Carrie), Ashley Sanders, and Mariel Sanders (Nate) along with three great grandchildren, Gracie, Heath, and Leo. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock Thursday at Copeland Funeral Service - One Copeland Drive.  The funeral service will at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon in The Parish Church of St. Helena. The interment will be held at 1 o'clock Monday afternoon in Hillcrest Abbey memorial park - East, Savannah. Donations may be made to the American Marine Institute, 60 Honey Bee island Road, Seabrook, SC, 29940 or the Parish Church of St. Helena, 505 Church Street, Beaufort, SC, 29902.