SANDERS, Rabon Victor gained wings overnight September 26, 2021 at his home in downtown St. Petersburg, FL from cardiac arrest combined with a long battle with complications from polio/post-polio syndrome.

A beloved and familiar figure in the downtown St. Pete community, Rabon left behind a legacy of resilience, quiet strength and heartfelt connection that touched many lives.

A survivor of childhood polio, Rabon met life’s challenges with unwavering courage and grace.

Residing at the old historic Mirror Lake complex that was once the old St. Pete High School, he was a cherished presence in his neighborhood in downtown St. Pete always seen out and about most days for rides around in his wheelchair all over town especially by Mirror Lake and along Central Ave, with his biggest companion and source of emotional support, his loyal dog Gracie always on his lap. He was a regular at many local places around especially his number one favorite hangout, the local Starbucks on 1st Ave North. He was a consistent attendee of The Saturday Morning Market every weekend.

Together, Rabon and Gracie became an enduring symbol of companionship and perseverance—bringing smiles and comfort to everyone they encountered. Rabon was always so encouraging: full of kind, wise, comforting, uplifting words, amazing life advice, jokes and interesting, funny, unique stories from his childhood and youth.

He truly was a gift, healer and life-changer to everyone who knew him.

He was always ready and eager to listen whenever you needed a compassionate ear. The way he talked always calmed you down. He really knew how to care. His 45 years as a follower of Baha'i Faith really did a job on him.

Whenever you saw him around, he was always so happy. You would never guess he had a series of life challenges growing up as result of polio. He never showed it and never talked about it unless you asked why he was in a wheelchair.

He always focused on positives and never let anything stand in his way.

He definitely didn't deserve the tough life he had. No doubt there. Why do such unfortunate things happen to such nice people like him? It's just not right.

He had the most sparkling personality, the most uplifting and caring spirit and the sweetest, brightest smile that lit up the entire neighborhood that was always the very first thing you witnessed whenever you saw him for the first time in a given day whether you already knew him or were just meeting him for the very first time. Whenever you saw him for the first time in a day whether he already knew you or not, his face always just automatically lit up instantly. He was very lonely due to sadly being isolated from his family for many, many years and so he always needed all the friends he could possibly get.

He had no choice but to live alone with just Gracie. At least he had Gracie but he always felt a lot better being out and about seeing people. It really made a big difference.

Last but not least, how could I forget his most unique sense of humor? Ha!

The strong and unique very special bond between Rabon and Gracie was with no doubt one of deep affection and mutual support. Their shared presence became an integral part of the local landscape, offering a gentle reminder of loyalty and love and their absence is profoundly felt by friends and neighbors who came to know them as part of their daily routines. Whether you live in downtown St. Pete or were just visiting for the first time, chances are you met Rabon and Gracie at least once. They were always everywhere around town every day just about, indeed hard to miss and Rabon talked to everybody.

No matter where you went around town, there they were. They were literally everywhere and everybody knew them.

They were always such a pleasure for me to bump into most days out on my daily neighborhood walks and I surely miss that. They were two legends and downtown St. Pete no longer is and will no longer ever be the same without them.

Although now physically gone, Rabon and Gracie will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew them.

Their spirit lives on and their memory continues to inspire kindness, resilience and a sense of community throughout downtown St. Pete.

Rabon is survived by friends around his neighborhood, two sons Stephen and Tim, a daughter Chelsea, three grandchildren, nieces, his ex-wife Peggi and last but not least, most importantly, Gracie!

He was preceeded in death by his parents, a third son Josh and a sister Diane.

As far as a service, all I know is his local Baha'i Faith group held a small private one on zoom amongst themselves.

I'm not sure about an actual public celebration of life. If there was one I didn't get invited.

His ashes were scattered in The Gulf of Mexico.

Cremation services provided by A Life Tribute Funeral Care Gulfport, (5601 Gulfport Blvd South, Gulfport, FL, 33707), (now permanently closed).

Donate here to Rabon's Legacy Fund for Polio Global Eradication Initiative: https://rabon-sanders-1948.muchloved.com/

P.S. I didn't include a photo here in the gallery of the famous historic building where he lived as a means of respecting privacy, as it is a condo complex where a whole bunch of other people live as well.

So I feel I don't really have the right to post a pic. It was later on converted to condos from the old St. Pete High. If you wish to see what it looks like, you can go to Google images and just search: "701 Mirror Lake Drive North downtown St. Pete, FL."

Obituary written by Michelle RM (Rabon's local best friend and site administrator).