Robert Lester Sanders

Bob Sanders lived multiple lives - as an accountant, a political operative and a magician. Sanders, 78, died on April 4. He lived in Clanton.

And speaking of multiple lives, he is survived by his wife, Dr. Lucille Sanders. Dr. Lucy is a horseman, a magician, an artist and a medical doctor - not to mention, a good and graceful dancer.

If all this sounds magical, add this: The Sanders’ home is named “Magic Valley Ranch.” Their horse ranch is east of Clanton on the banks of the Coosa River.

Bob and Lucy Sanders have, for years, hosted a national convention of professional magicians at their ranch. It is built with a meeting room and stage. Many a magician has stood up at the Sanders' home and at other venues in Clanton and performed before a tough audience: other magicians. Not much gets by them.

Under the Sanders' leadership, Alabama has become the national capital for professional magicians.

2024 will mark the 14th year that national magicians gather for the annual Magic Valley Magic Convention at the Sanders’ ranch.

Each year, attendees browse the Magicians’ Flea Market on the Sanders’ ranch to buy magic paraphernalia. They watch magic demonstrations both close-up (to try to see and learn the techniques) and at stage shows.

Upon hearing of Bob Sanders' death, magician Harry Murphy, head of the national forum "The Magic Café" said, “Bob was a master magician, veteran entertainer and a regular contributor at the Magic Café.”

Accountant Bob Sanders had been chief clerk of the State Auditor’s office. He was, for years, an accountant with the Alabama Department of Revenue. He had served as chief revenue officer for the City of Selma. He taught accounting and business.

Politician Bob Sanders, a lifelong Republican, ran in the Republican primary for the Alabama Public Service Commission but fell short. He was active in the Alabama Republican party, serving as a local campaign contact for U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), Chief Justice Roy Moore and President Donald Trump and on the statewide Voter Registration Board.

The Sanders were members of Frazer Memorial Methodist Church in Montgomery.

Bob Sanders was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

What an abundant life!

Services for Sanders will be on Sunday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home in Clanton.

Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups, and prominent deaths.  He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor.