Mr. James Dallas Sanders, age 82, of Franklin, NC, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Macon Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Franklin, NC.

He was born April 19, 1944, in Franklin, NC, to the late James Logan Sanders and Rena Ledford Sanders Peek.

Dallas spent his early life working on dairy farms throughout Macon County. Later, he joined the North Carolina Department of Transportation, from which he eventually retired. He had a deep love for the outdoors, whether he was mowing grass in his neighborhood or sitting in his workshop shed watching the birds and enjoying nature.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Frankie Lee Crisp Sanders; brothers, Frank Donald Sanders of Toccoa, GA, and Gary Ray Peek of Amarillo, TX; sister, Edna Ruth Sanders Phillips of Franklin; and stepson, Johnny Crisp of Franklin.

He is survived by his son, James Charles Sanders (Amber); step-son, Kenneth Crisp (Julia); brothers, Terry Peek (Kathy), Clay Peek, and Bobby Peek, all of Franklin; sisters, Velma Randall of Franklin and Liz Neuenschwander (James) of Waynesville, NC; grandchildren, Anastasia Marie Sanders, Rebecca Crisp, Regina Lindley, and Darrin Crisp, along with several more grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a host of extended family members, neighbors, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held at Macon Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Macon Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation for the compassionate care they provided for Dallas.

Arrangements through Macon Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.