Greenville, SC – Remembering Dan Sanders
Greenville is mourning the loss of Daniel Simpson “Dan” Sanders, former president of Exxon Mobil, who passed away on August 7 in his home. He was just days shy of his 85th birthday as noted in an obituary on the Thomas McAfee Funeral Home website.
A Lifelong Career at Exxon
Sanders began his journey in the oil industry in 1962 after graduating with a magna cum laude degree in engineering from the University of South Carolina. His first role with Exxon was as an engineer at the company’s refinery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Over the decades, he climbed up the corporate ladder, becoming an essential figure in the company. In 1998, he was appointed the executive vice president of Exxon Chemical and took over as president in January 1999. Following the merger of Exxon and Mobil, he was named president of ExxonMobil Chemical Co. in December 1999, a position he held until his retirement in 2004.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Born and raised in Elberton, Georgia, Sanders graduated from Elberton High School before pursuing further studies. He married Emilyn Rebecca Childs on June 9, 1962, in Greenville. Together, they built a strong family, including two sons, Daniel Jr. and John, along with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His sister Patricia and brother Philip also reside in Elberton.
Throughout his life, Sanders placed a strong emphasis on education and community engagement. He was active on several boards, including those of Celanese and Milliken and Co., as well as contributions to educational institutions like Furman University and South Carolina’s Independent Colleges and Universities. He had a keen interest in supporting education and mentoring future leaders.
Tributes from the Community
Dr. Courtney Tollison Hartness, a renowned scholar in Furman University’s History Department, remembered Sanders as a “gentle and generous gentleman.” Recently, he took the time to invite Hartness’s young son to discuss engineering, highlighting his commitment to nurturing the next generation.
Hartness fondly recalled how Sanders supported his wife during her leadership roles in various organizations, stating, “Dan was always in attendance” when she held notable positions, including as president of the SC Historical Society. Together, they were deeply committed to family and their community.
A Legacy at Furman University
Elizabeth Davis, president of Furman University, expressed profound sadness over Sanders’s passing, stating he played a significant role in shaping the university community. “Dan was more than a trustee; he was an integral part of the university’s fabric,” she noted. His contributions spanned leadership positions and mentoring discussions, leaving a lasting impact for years to come.
Kevin T. Byrne, chair of the Board of Trustees, praised Sanders as a visionary leader whose collaboration inspired many. His loss is deeply felt among those who had the pleasure of working alongside him.
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral services for Dan Sanders are set to take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Furman University or South Carolina’s Independent Colleges and Universities to honor Sanders’s lifelong dedication to education.
