Charles Curtis Sanders Sr (CC) was born on a cotton plantation in Indianola, Mississippi on October 29, 1944, to I.C. and Blanch Sanders, both sharecroppers, and was the sixth of nine children.  The family moved to Topeka, Kansas and settled there in 1948 when he was four years old, living in a section of the city known as the "Bottoms." Despite poverty, racial discrimination and very challenging conditions, he and his family flourished.

CC attended Monroe Elementary, now known as a Historical Landmark, and joined Calvary Baptist Church at a young age. He excelled in vocal music and public speaking, and was bright with boundless potential. After graduating from Topeka High School at age 18, he joined the United States Marine Corps serving our country for five years and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, including a tour of Vietnam and the "The Presidential Unit Citation." CC spoke fluent Vietnamese and some Spanish. While in the Marine Corps he served two of his five years as a military policeman. Upon his honorable discharge, the Oceanside Police Department (OPD) became his next civil servant venture. During his career as a police officer, he distinguished himself and made history in several ways.

CC broke the OPD color barrier as the first African American police officer, detective, sergeant, and detective sergeant. While serving as detective he was named law enforcement "Officer of the Year." As supervisor of the Juvenile Division, he qualified as an expert in crimes against children and worked on some of the largest cases in the history of Oceanside. He was the first African American to pass the test for lieutenant and also the first to serve on the Oceanside Police Officers Association Board of Directors. He distinguished himself further, winning two gold medals, a silver medal, and a bronze medal at the Police Olympics while also breaking the national record for the bench press at 455 pounds. CC continued his passion for fitness by owning a gym in Solana Beach named "Coast Health Studios" and embarking up a bodybuilding career where he won the titles of Mr. Oceanside, Mr. North County, Mr. San Diego and Mr. Southern California. After many years of bodybuilding he proudly boasted his "20-inch biceps" and had a cameo in the bodybuilding movie "Flex."

Upon retirement CC cultivated his many interests. He became a licensed cosmetologist and owned "Mr. C Hair Creations" salon for over 10 years. He founded "Sanders Productions" to promote bodybuilding shows and other special events. CC became a community activist and served on the Mobile Home Fair Practices Commission and two terms as chairman of the Oceanside Police and Fire Commission. He was honored by channel KCOT as one of Oceanside's Living Legacies. He had also become a successful entertainer working as a vocalist for various bands and then embarked on a solo career as "CC Sanders the Candyman," which featured an "Oldies but Goodies" dance and show. CC appeared all over Southern California and over the years performed many complementary concerts for the Oceanside Senior Center and other groups.

CC spent his last two years with his daughter, Tara, living on the Bay Area waterfront enjoying live music and shows, daily walks downtown, and being the best-dressed OG. His last days were spent with family and reconnecting with old friends. His end of watch was July 8th, 2025. CC was a man of the people and saved by our Father. Most of all, he was a friend to all and a man of the community.

The memories of CC will be forever embraced by the hearts, minds and souls of his children, Derek Peters of St. Louis, MO; Terence Tomlin Sr. of Norfolk, VA; Charles Sanders II of Los Angeles, CA; and his beloved daughter Tara Dale Sanders of Pittsburg, CA., along with a host of grandchildren.  Brothers and sisters include John Perryman (deceased) Dorothy Abbott (deceased), Eloise Boone (deceased), I.C. Steve Muhammad Sanders (Connie) of Atlanta, GA, Bernice Cohen (Otis) of Topeka, KS, Johnny Sanders (Colette) of Menifee, CA, Shirley Sanders-Hall of Topeka, KS and Wanda Johnson (Ronald) of Maricopa, AZ.  He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and an abundance of friends.

May his dedication never be forgotten and his legacy inspire for years to come.

Services are Thursday, September 11th, 11:00am at the Veteran's Association of North County 1617 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058. We kindly ask guests to RSVP here https://evite.me/PCErZRmZE3 in order for the family to plan accordingly and accomodate the large expected turn out.