Greenville Mourns the Loss of Former Exxon Mobil President Dan Sanders
Greenville is coming to terms with the passing of Dan Sanders, the former president of Exxon Mobil, who died on August 7 at his home, just a few days before his 85th birthday. According to his obituary, Sanders enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned more than four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the energy industry and the community he cherished.
A Legacy Built on Education and Leadership
Born and raised in Elberton, Georgia, Sanders graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Carolina in 1962 with a degree in engineering. He wasted no time in launching his career, joining Exxon the same year. Starting out as an engineer at the firm’s Baton Rouge, Louisiana, refinery, Sanders quickly moved up the corporate ladder. In 1998, he was named executive vice president of Exxon Chemical, and by January 1999, he had taken over as president. After the merger of Exxon and Mobil in December 1999, he became president of ExxonMobil Chemical Company until his retirement in 2004.
A Man of Values and Service
Throughout his life, Sanders dedicated himself to philanthropy and serving on various boards. Notably, he was a board member for Celanese and Milliken and Company, as well as serving on the boards for South Carolina’s Independent Colleges and Universities and Furman University. At Furman, he took on leadership roles such as co-chairing the Parent’s Council and joining the Advisory Council and executive committee of the Richard Furman Society.
In 2004, the University of South Carolina honored Sanders with a Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his significant contributions.
A Gentle Mentor and Family Man
Friends and colleagues remember Sanders as a “gentle and generous gentleman.” Courtney Tollison Hartness, a distinguished historian at Furman University, recalled how just weeks before his passing, Sanders invited her 5-year-old son to their home to discuss engineering. Hartness remarked on his generosity with both his time and resources, noting that he actively supported his wife, Emilyn, during her own leadership roles across South Carolina.
Sanders was described as deeply committed to his family, alongside his wife of 62 years, Emilyn. She was noted for her sacrifices and support of his career as they lived in various places, both in the U.S. and Asia. Hartness said, “Dan and Emilyn could not have been more committed to each other and the family they created. They deeply respected each other and functioned as a team.”
Impact on the Community and University
The loss of Dan Sanders has left a significant void in both the Furman University community and the wider Greenville area. Elizabeth Davis, president of Furman University, expressed deep sorrow, saying, “Dan was more than a trustee, he was an integral part of the university’s fabric.” She described him as highly engaged and noted that students and future generations will benefit from his wisdom and philanthropic efforts.
Kevin T. Byrne, chair of the Furman University Board of Trustees, praised Sanders’s leadership. He emphasized that Sanders had a unique vision and was someone people rallied behind; “We all benefited from Dan’s participation, and we all feel his loss,” Byrne said.
A Time to Remember
Dan Sanders leaves behind his loving wife, two sons, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His siblings, Patricia and Philip, also mourn his loss in Elberton, Georgia. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville.
In lieu of flowers, Sanders’s family has requested memorial contributions be made to Furman University and the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. His lifelong dedication to education will always be remembered.
