Major Norman Ralph Zanders, Sr.

May 5, 2022

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” ~ Galatians 2:20 ~ Major Norman Ralph Zanders, Sr., of Surfside Beach, SC, met his Heavenly Savior the evening of Thursday, May 5, 2022. He passed peacefully after a two-year illness, surrounded by his loving wife and family who were singing the hymns he dearly loved. Norman is survived by Ruby (Michaels), his wife of 55 years; his two sons, Norman (Mary Christmas) Zanders of Hope Mills, NC and Kevin (Tawny) Zanders of Lafayette Hill, PA; his grandchildren, Aaron (Reighn) and Grace Zanders of Hope Mills, NC, and Kaleb and Zoe Zanders of Lafayette Hill, PA; and great granddaughter, Luna Zanders-Johnson of Hope Mills, NC. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Anna (Price); daughter, Zandra K. Zanders; and siblings, Thomas and John Zanders, and Mary Ann Lieby. After serving in the US Army in Korean, he served as a pastor in The Salvation Army (Defender of the Faith session) for over 38 years, he was known as a steward of God’s resources, a preacher of the Word, a gentle encourager, voracious reader and writer, dedicated musician, and a faithful friend. He retired from active ministry in 2003 and settled in Surfside Beach, South Carolina where he quickly became involved in The Salvation Army Conway Corps, becoming the bandmaster, adopting a nursing home to conduct monthly religious programs, creatively bringing the Vacation Bible school lessons to life year after year, and ringing the RED KETTLE bell at the Myrtle Beach mall over several Christmas seasons. Though he was always a traveler, in retirement, he and his wife fully embraced the opportunity to experience the body of Christ in multiple countries. Wherever they went, they made deep friends and lasting relationships, adding new countries to send their annual Christmas card to each year. The walls of their retirement home are dotted with pictures of their worldwide adventures and their shelves are filled with precious mementos. They especially loved to take cruises, eventually taking over 30 cruises over their married life. When he was not traveling, he enjoyed singing in the local barbershop quartet, participating in the Salvation Army’s Retired Officer Fellowship of the North and South Carolina Division, attending community events, and displaying his collection of over 500 nativity scenes. In every way, he fully embraced and loved life; however, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was never happier than when his home was full of the lovingly loud noise of family fellowship. Regardless of how long the visits were, the family knew they would meet around the table for a breakfast of his amazing gourmet, berrylicious, Belgian waffles and a dinner of traditional Lithuanian potato cakes, followed by a family game. These precious times were filled with devotions, laughter, memories, and good old-fashioned competition. Besides his loving family, Norman leaves behind a legacy of lives touched by his compassion and devotion to spreading the love of God. He will be sorely missed by all who were honored to know him. Service: A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 28th at 1:00 pm at The Salvation Army, located at 1413 2nd Avenue; Conway, SC 29526. The service will be live streamed on The Salvation Army of Horry County Facebook page. Sympathy: Online expressions of sympathy can be recorded at: www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Goldfinch Funeral Services – Beach Chapel. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the music programs at The Salvation Army, 1413 2nd Avenue; Conway, SC 29526.