February 15, 2023, 77, Goldsboro –

Lenwood Earl Sauls, 77, entered his eternal home with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Lenwood was born in Wayne County to the late Lenwood and Essie Hill Sauls on September 23, 1945. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Carol Sauls, and sister-in-law, Eunice Sauls.

Lenwood was a man of his word, dedicated, faithful, hardworking, and trustworthy. People knew they could count on him to do what he said he would do. His dedication was shown in his 36 years of service at Dupont, where he worked in supervisory roles and later retired as a Lab Technician. His dedication to his community was displayed through his unwavering commitment to the East Wayne Fire Department, which later became New Hope Station #2. He served for 58 years and held the position of Fire Chief for 45 of those years. Through this association, he recently served as the chairman of the Wayne County Fireman’s Association. He was the recipient of the J. Edgar Summerlin Fireman Award in 2017. Lenwood gave of his time and talents to his community because that’s simply the person he was.

His enthusiasm for serving his community came from his deep and abiding love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus first loved him; therefore, he sought to share this love with others.

Lenwood didn’t know a stranger. He wanted to let the light of Christ shine through him. As a part of his service to the Lord, he was instrumental in the founding of the Cornerstone Fellowship of Snow Hill. It was there he served as a deacon, cleaned the church each week, made sure the landscaping was pristine and was willing to assist in any ministry needed. He served sacrificially and let his light so shine.

Lenwood’s greatest joy came in his love for his family. He knew God had given him an incredible wife and family to steward. His faith guided his way of caring for them. His wife was an irreplaceable gift and together, they made quite the pair. They sought to live the message of two becoming one. They raised and adored their children and had the best time being involved in their grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s lives. Lenwood was the best Daddy and Papa, they couldn’t have asked for better.

In his free time, Lenwood could be seen working in his yard. He had a special knack for spotting anything out of place. He used this time to speak with the Lord and make sure everything was just as it should be. There wasn’t even a pine cone that was allowed to fall for long. He enjoyed simply being in God’s creation. This carried over to his love of the beach and fishing. If his family was there with him, it was the highlight of his time. The only thing that could make it any better would be if the Duke Blue Devils were winning a basketball game.

Lenwood’s life has been a testimony of loyalty, dedication, and service. God had given him gifts and talents to use, and that is exactly what he did. His legacy of love will continue to carry on in his family and community.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Seymour Funeral Home and at other times at his home. A service to celebrate Lenwood’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 19, 2023, in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Hill Family Cemetery, Snow Hill, NC.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Brenda Kearney Sauls; daughters, Nannette Sauls Newcomb and husband, Wesley and Lynne Sauls Bailey and husband, Eric; grandchildren, Jonathan Smith and wife, Maggie; Hannah Patterson and husband, Andrew; Cullen Tyndall and Alston Tyndall; and great-grandchildren, Asher Patterson and Lennon Rose Smith. He is also survived by his brother, Douglas G. Sauls and wife, Sherl; Uncle, Wilson Sauls and wife, Brenda; special friends, Derald, and June Smith; a cousin that he loved as a sister, Hilda Grace Grady; sisters-in-law, Linda Honrine and husband, Ed; JoAnn Tillman and Jean Bartlett; many special cousins, and all his family at New Hope Fire Department.

A special thank you to all the physicians, nurses, nurse assistants, and other support staff for the excellent care Lenwood received over the years at UNC Rex, UNC Johnston, and UNC Health Wayne.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given to

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.