Francis Maney Saunders, III

Francis Maney Saunders III, known as “Buster” by family and friends, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday evening, July 14th.

Buster was born on April 8, 1981 in Newport News Virginia and was a graduate of Smithfield High School. After High School, Buster started work as an electrical apprentice at the Northrop Grumman shipyard in Newport News while also taking classes at Christopher Newport University.

During this time Buster also played drums and guitar in the rock and roll band Virginia Creeper with his good friends Luke Taylor and Hank Leber. They shared stages with many regional and national acts, and released a debut album which achieved radio play in the area.

Answering the call of the mountains after that, Buster and his snowboard found their way to Wintergreen Resort as a snowboard instructor. He eventually started work as an industrial electrician, where his responsibilities grew to include much of the ski area operations. During his career with Wintergreen, he was instrumental in the planning, construction, and daily operations of the ski area. His talents for understanding complex systems and his strong work ethic helped propel his career. His technical capacity combined with his likable demeanor made him the “go to guy” for virtually every operational challenge.

In 2015 Buster’s hard work earned him the opportunity to take his snowmaking talents even further. He and his future wife Amanda moved to Colorado where he worked for the international snowmaking company Techno Alpin. Eventually Buster, Amanda, their oldest daughter Kitt, and their dogs Roxie and Creaker decided to move back to Virginia to focus on growing a family. They settled in Nellysford, VA and welcomed their second daughter Piper. Buster worked for Mathers Construction and then CRB Engineering, overseeing many successful projects throughout the Shenandoah Valley.

 Buster was raised on the water, and drawn to the mountains. He thrived in both environments, and navigated easily between them. You could even find him on the trails and courses of the Spartan Race series, where he was a multi-time trainer and competitor across the US.

 Buster was a loving father, devoted husband, talented musician, and cherished friend. To know Buster was to love Buster. His friends, family and coworkers could always count on him for an easy smile, and whatever support they required. Stories of his adventures with friends could fill volumes. He was “all in” on everything he did, and made all those around him better.

 Bean Station Tennessee became a second home for Buster, where the parents of childhood friends Hank & Doug welcomed all for wakeboarding, music, campfires, and good times. July 4th 2024 marked the 14th anniversary of the cherished tradition in Bean Station. This year Buster was proud to watch his daughter Kitt wakeboard for the first time, and to see his daughter Piper shred the water on the zip sled. Buster and his family had a wonderful time together there, just a week before the tragic accident.

Buster’s loss is felt by many, many great friends – some from decades-long relationships, with most of them recalling the daring capers they shared with him. He shared the stage, the limelight, and the firelight with countless people who will always remember him as the biggest and best heart – and friend – they will ever have known.

Buster is survived by his wife Amanda Lipscomb Saunders of Nellysford, VA; his 2 daughters Kitt (8) and Piper (6); father F.M. Saunders Jr (Bubba) of Gloucester, VA; mother Pamela Coy & her husband Pat of Hampton, VA ; Grandmother Mama G of Lake Gaston, NC; brother Jarrod, his wife Jamie and their kids Kaeden, Cameron, Carson & Konnor of Smithfield, VA; and many other aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. 

While we deeply mourn his unexpected passing, we are grateful for him. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all those supporting us during this difficult time.

Preparations are underway so we can come together, share stories, and celebrate the good fortune of having Buster in our lives. Details on this special event will be shared soon.

 Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).