Dustin Lee Saunders

Dustin Lee Saunders (“Dusty”), age 83, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Savannah Memorial Hospital as a result of a car collision.

Born in Westerly, Rhode Island, to Prudence Delight Saunders and Ernest Howard Saunders, Jr., he was the eldest of four sons. He was a graduate of the 1961 class of Westerly High School. After residing in Rhode Island for 30 years, he settled in the Hilton Head/Bluffton area where he built a life punctuated by his favorite pastimes…family and games of golf at Belfair, Greek salads from Jim and Nick’s, and Roblox games with his grandchildren. Dusty’s philanthropic endeavors were many and varied, he supported the Arts Center, Sun City softball, and countless other charities. He was an engaged and respected member of the Bluffton community.

An entrepreneur and true free-thinker, he owned and operated Door 2 Door Drycleaners/ The Clothes Press (SC), D’Angelo’s Subs & Salads and One Hour Martinizing (CT and RI). He approached life with an adventurous and inquisitive spirit that inspired, yet challenged those around him. If you knew Dusty, chances were you liked him and he became a friend. Conversations with Dusty were spirited and often left some people scratching their heads.

He was an accomplished athlete, championship tennis player and avid golfer; both endeavors were life-long passions that brought him both personal joy and lasting friendships over the years. Whether on the tennis court, the golf course, or in conversation with family and friends, he was known for his insight and curiosity for life and life’s mysteries.

He was the nucleus of our family, present in all celebrations, heavily involved in many conversations offering his advice and counsel. He was successful at keeping his children and grandchildren close to him despite the distance between us. He was a great host for family events, an amazing bridge and cribbage player, and he always kept everyone informed on family happenings.

Dusty is now at peace. He is pre-deceased by his wife, Mary, and his younger brother, Michael. He is survived by his five children, Darcie, Stephanie, Randall, Dustin and Maximilian, along with eight grandchildren, Antonella, Rhiana, Jacob, Sam, Ben, Willow, Braxton and Silas, two great-grandchildren, Ariella and William, his two brothers, Randall and Matthew, and his former wife, Bobby. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Celebration of Life

Bluffton, SC

May 31st

May River Manor

155 Old Miller Rd

3-6 pm

Westerly, RI

June 3rd

Margin Street Inn

4 Margin St

12-3 pm 

Please join us as we remember our father, Dustin Lee Saunders, and the everlasting impact he had on everyone in his life. 

Private Burial Services

River Bend Cemetery

Westerly, RI

June 3rd

10:30 - 11:30 am