Timothy Lee Sanders

Timothy Lee Sanders, 81, of Washington, PA passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2021.  He was born on November 1, 1939, son of the late Daniel and Mary Sanders, loving husband to Debra J (Barrett) Sanders, whom he married on September 2, 1977, loving father to Christy (Dan) Stanek, Carrie (Peyton) Justice and Timothy (Becky) Sanders, II and loving grandfather to Nick, Brooke and Paige Stanek, Macie, Madison, and Malia Justice and Jack and Mia Sanders.  Tim is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly as his own.

Tim showed a passion for the entertainment industry from a young age. Prior to (and after) graduating from Trinity High School, Tim became well known for DJing successful teen dances around the Tri-State area and would regularly draw crowds of upwards of 1,000 teenagers. This success carried over after graduation as Tim could be heard DJing on the radio in addition to his popular local events. Always thinking of others before himself, Tim put his ambitions aside and proudly served in the United States Army. 

After serving his country, Tim continued to pursue his passion by forming many successful entertainment businesses that would span the course of over 65 years. “Creative Talent Associates” (later known as “Sanders Entertainment Agency”) was one of the area’s largest promotional and entertainment agencies with branch offices in three different states. Through his agency, Tim had access to many local and nationally recognized bands. Tim promoted and booked a number of them with chart-topping hits; most notably the band “Wild Cherry” whose self-titled album went platinum in 1976 while featuring the #1 hit single, “Play That Funky Music.”  Other notable bands Tim promoted and booked include The Mohairs, The Affections, Lightfoot, The Raven Blues, Elements of Sound, the Jaggerz, and Canned Heat, best known for “Going up the Country,” from the 2009 film “The Blind Side.” Tim took pride in finding and helping talented young musicians develop into powerhouse entertainers. There are few regional business owners in the entertainment industry with more acquired admiration, success, and longevity as Tim. Tim’s successful business ventures also include owning “The Royal Pub” and later “Pickles Night Club” which gave him the ability to continue booking events and entertainers like The Drifters, Big Guns, Jinx, Marcus Tyler, and The Fugitives (to name a few) at his own venues. 

Tim was a fair, honest, and self-driven entrepreneur. Above all else, it was his integrity and ability to relate to others that drew people to him and his businesses.  To better understand people, he believed in listening more than talking. Over the years, hundreds of people had employment because of Tim. His employees became part of his extended family.  It was not uncommon for Tim to see someone in need of financial help and quickly think up a small task they could help him do so that he had a reason to give them money.  Remembering his struggles getting started, he believed people were able to better maintain their sense of pride when they felt like they worked for their money and that was important to him.  It was his collective life experiences before and after his success that allowed him to relate to people from all walks of life.

In addition to entertaining, Tim enjoyed fishing (especially in Erie), taking cruises, gardening, feeding the birds, watching old western movies, and spending time with his family and friends.  Nothing gave him more joy and happiness than being around his grandchildren.

Tim will be remembered most, by all who knew him, for his unconditional love, silent confidence, relentless work ethic, clever motivational quotes and stories, and his desire to give freely to anyone in need. 

In addition to his parents, Tim was preceded in death by his siblings Lois Czdankiewicz, Lola (Tony) Spreader, Dave Sanders, J. Frank Sanders, and Joyce Walter.

Tim leaves behind a personal and professional legacy that will be remembered and missed by many. 

Family and friends will be received from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Young Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 219 Main Street, Claysville, PA  15323, where services will also be held the same day at 6:00 PM.  On Monday, September 13, 2021, family and friends wishing to join the processional to the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017, will meet at 9:00 AM, at Young Funeral Home.  Military funeral honors and committal service will be provided by the Claysville American Legion Post 639 and the United States Armed Forces.

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