Saunders Early, JR., 97, passed away at home in the early morning hours of September 18, 2021 with his wife at his side, surrounded by family pictures and memorabilia reminding him of his most treasured times.

As owner and operator of Robertson Hardware, later known as Robbie's, Saunders was quite active in the City of Portsmouth. As a two-term Portsmouth City Council member from 1972-1980, he was a lover of all things Portsmouth and worked towards helping achieve her potential. He was selected 1969's Portsmouth's First Citizen and was affiliated with many local organizations: president or director of United Way Campaign Chair, Chamber of Commerce, Portsmouth General Hospital, Portsmouth Port & Industrial Commission, Norfolk International Terminals, Chair Retail Alliance, Portsmouth Enterprises, Portsmouth Community Foundation, Children's Museum of Virginia, 1st treasurer Elizabeth Manor Corporation, and director at Life Savings, American National, Central Fidelity and BB&T banks.

As a 72-year member of Monumental United Methodist Church, he served in many positions, with the Glasgow Street Park restoration being his final and favorite.

Saunders was born in 1924 at Portsmouth General Hospital to Edwin Saunders Early, Sr. and Mary E. Harrell. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School.  With the exception of his enrollment at UNC, his time served in the US Army Air Corp as a weather observer during WWII, and a 10-year residency in Virginia Beach, Saunders was a lifelong resident of Portsmouth.
Saunders started working at Robertson Hardware for his father, at 10 years old, sweeping floors. That was in the day when they sold horse collars, asbestos by the bag, nails by the scoop, and paint ladled from a barrel. He did every job in the store which helped with his management skills and, in later years, in restoring his home in Olde Towne.
When his father died at 57, Saunders, at 25, took over the hardware store. After opening 2 other locations, he eventually resumed operating just the one on High Street.  In 2005, it closed for good.
Many locals had their first job at Robbie's and learned skills no longer taught today. He, also, was taught a few skills by loyal longtime employees like Ruth Skelton.  Known as the fastener lady, at 98 yrs. of age, is still active today.
As a self-starter, Saunders was never one to procrastinate. He accomplished many things such as helping to develop Olde Towne Commons in Downtown Portsmouth and Cyprus Cove Villas in Churchland, all while operating Robbie's Hardware; he never needed a "honey-do list" and never left a project undone.

He was a true southern gentleman and will be missed for his wisdom, generosity, and kindness.
Left to celebrate his long and fruitful life is his wife Barbara, whom he married in 1998.  He had three children from his marriage to Winifred McAlpine, 1949-1982: Ed Early (children: Savannah & Hannah), Nancy Early & spouse David ( children: Katie Moore & spouse Charlie & son Michael McNamara), daughter Louise Roesser & spouse Ed ( children: Saunders (Renee) and Aaron (Kellie). He is also survived by his sister Betty Jo Eberwine, a host of nieces & nephews, 8 great grandchildren, and many furry friends who, loyally, sat by his side while he gardened.
We so appreciate the outpouring of support from friends and neighbors whom Saunders connected with throughout the years.  Some he met through business, civic work, yoga, tennis, golf; others he met during his morning walks & workouts or with whom he shared tomatoes from his garden. We especially appreciate the long-term medical expertise of Dr. Kevin Wilson (retired) and, the Sentara Hospice Services team of Jason, Alberta, Brett & many more, including granddaughter Katie Moore, who made a difficult time, bearable.
Visitation will be held at the B.W.Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High Street, Portsmouth on Wednesday, September 22 from 5 to 7 PM. The funeral will be held on Monday, September 27 at 3 PM, at Monumental United Methodist Church, 450 Dinwiddie. Parking on Queen Street.
Covid Protocols will be observed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Glasgow Street Park Fund at Monumental United Methodist Church or the Portsmouth Salvation Army. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com