Daisy Elizabeth Sanders

Daisy Elizabeth Davis Radebaugh Sanders passed away on March 17, 2017, at the age of 93 and now can be re-joined in heaven with her parents, brother and husband. Born July 23, 1923 and delivered at home by her family doctor in Tennille, Washington County, GA. - daughter of Peter Bower Davis of Thomasville Ga (blacksmith) and Daisy Jenkins Davis of Statesboro GA and sister to Lawson Bower Davis. A direct descendant of Jefferson Davis and the Braidens of Bradenton FL on her fathers’ side and of Welsh descent on her mother’s side, Ms. Elizabeth grew up in Tennille and at the age 16 was named valedictorian of her high school graduating class of 1940, going on to attend and graduate from the Atlanta School of Commerce in 1941. With the country now engaged in WWII, after completing 3 months of training at Wright Field (now Wright Patterson) AFB in Dayton, OH, she began work in May of 1942 as Executive Secretary in a top security position to the Supply Officer at Warner Robbins Air Service Command in Georgia. During this time Ms. Elizabeth worked with those in control of classified data regarding these shipments and witnessed one of her superiors being arrested for espionage after it was discovered he had been working as a double agent providing classified details to the enemy. Harold Radebaugh was brought in as that mans’ replacement.

Her brother had enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to duty as an aerial gunner on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific and was one of 3 survivors who floated around for 3 days before being rescued by a “friendly” submarine after his squadron was shot down over the Pacific Ocean. It was while working at Warner Robbins that she met and married Harold C. Radebaugh shortly after her mothers’ death in 1944. Harold Radebaugh was in charge of procurement for supplies heading to the Allies in Europe and had been promoted after developing a new streamlined process for expediting shipments. After the war and upon Harold going to work for the government after moving to Illinois then Ohio they started a family. She is survived by her only son Dan Harold Radebaugh and her daughter-in-law Marsha Radebaugh of Queens NY, daughter Linda Konst and son-in-law Daniel Konst of Paris, KY; daughter Toni Davis and Patricia Radebaugh of Tampa, FL. She also is survived by her grandchildren John C. Schrick of Delray Beach, FL; Eileen Phethean of Lexington KY and Jennifer Phethean Nelson of Brooksville; also her two precious great granddaughters Skyler Wilkerson and Addison Phethean.

In 1955 the family moved to Tampa FL and Harold Radebaugh along with Elizabeth’s assistance opened the first automated car wash on Tampa Street. In 1957 she joined Lake Magdalene Methodist Church under the pastor ship of the future bishop, James Lloyd Knox. She was a member of the Plaza Terrace Civic Assn. and through her personal efforts was responsible for widening the streets and installing sidewalks in front of Tampa Bay Elementary school.  To support the family when Harold suffered a heart attack, Elizabeth went to work as Executive Secretary to the VP of First Federal B&L and in 1969 accepted a position as executive secretary/office mgr.  to the vice president of the architectural/engineering firm of Reynolds, Smith and Hill  where she worked until 1979 when she resigned to go to Spain for a year with Harold. During her time at the firm she worked diligently hand typing specifications for the soon to be constructed Tampa International Airport. Upon her return to the U.S. she applied to and was in the vetting process for security clearance to work as foreign secretary at the State Dept. but   ultimately accepted a position at the Univ. of Tampa as manager of the University’s Properties’ office.  Additionally she was Charter president of the Minaret Chapter of the American Business Women’s Organization.

In February of 1987 Elizabeth eloped to St. Thomas, Virgin islands with the “ love of her life” George L. Sanders of Tampa , a successful developer and insurance agent , who convinced her to retire so they could enjoy their twilight years travelling throughout the U.S. and Europe, also enjoying annual retreats at the Unity Village in MO. Along with George, who was a lifelong benefactor to the Salvation Army, she worked to raise funds to install new stained glass windows in the worship center on Sligh Ave. as well as to set up a fund for under-privileged children staying at  the S.A. Hospitality House to send the children to summer camp. They also set up a library fund the ARC Salvation Army Center in Tampa. She and George enjoyed their life together until his passing in 2004.

During her life she was devoted to improving the life of others and engaged in activism for worthy causes. She was a frequent contributor of Letters to the Editor of the Tampa Tribune and her articles were published often including one stirring up interest to begin a series of events which eventually led to the release of Roswell Gilbert, an elderly man who had been in prison because of his having heeded his wife’s plea to end her life.

With such a long list of accomplishments, Mom often stated that her most valued achievement was being the mother and fierce protector to 4 wonderful children, 3 grandchildren and finally 2 great grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at her final resting place in her hometown of Tennille, GA.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in her name to The Salvation Army of Tampa.

This is a courtesy announcement of May & Smith Funeral Directors in Sandersville, Georgia.