It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Colby Lee Saunders.
Colby was born in Newport News, Virginia, on October 20, 1992, and passed away at the age of 33 on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Riverside Regional Medical Center.
He was a lifelong resident of Newport News and worked for Newport News Shipbuilding for over twelve years, holding positions in pipefitting and Nuclear Quality Inspection.
Colby graduated from Denbigh Baptist Christian School in 2011. In his youth, Colby was a member of the Boy Scouts, where he enjoyed participating in the Pinewood Derby. He was also a member of the Hampton Roads Kart Club at Langley Speedway. Colby had a passion for firearms (especially his lever-action rifles and Desert Eagle) and loved honing his shooting skills at the range. He had a love of cars, trucks, and motorcycles, and became a self-taught mechanic, often helping friends and family with needed repairs. Colby was especially proud of his 2014 Black Shelby Mustang, which he treated like his baby; he called her Grace, and she was always garage-kept.
Colby spent his final years building LEGO sets, primarily boats, construction equipment, and everything Star Wars.
Colby was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Francis and Lola Saunders; maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Frances Hembree; his loving aunt, Phyllis Malcolm; and his cousin, Francis M. Saunders (Buster).
Colby is survived by his parents, David and Debbie Saunders of Newport News, Virginia; his older brother, Spencer L. Saunders, his wife, Caitie Saunders of Carrollton, Virginia; his younger sister, Madison I. Saunders and her companion, Noah Cook; his nearly one-year-old niece, Charlotte Grace Saunders; and his loving partner, Xing Huang, who he dearly loved and depended upon.
While Colby tended to maintain a tough exterior with those who knew him, he possessed a heart of generosity for the homeless and needy, often providing food and free rides.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the local SPCA, as he will be missed by his four cats, Mini, Buzz, Ash, and Lisa.
Family and friends will gather at Peninsula Funeral Home on Monday, April 20, 2026, for a memorial service at 6:30 p.m., followed by a visitation until 8:00 p.m.
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure.
You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
6 Comments
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength in God’s promise to swallow up death forever and wipe the tears from all faces. – Isaiah 25:8 Condolences
My heart is with you all
Words can not express how very saddened and sorry I am on the loss of your precious son. Lean on God, family, and friends in this difficult time. I pray for some comfort and peace from God, and for His love to surround you. May God bless you all.
Our hearts are broken, Colby you’ve always had a special place in our hearts! You spent many days in middle and high school with our family. Going to the OBX, racing go karts, playing paintball, scouts and more. We know we will see you again in heaven! RIP friend! Mary, Paul, Josh and Katie
David and Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. There is no worse time than the loss of a child. ‘Love yourself right now and don’t forget to be kind to your heart. God will handle the rest.’
David, Debbie and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Colby’s passing. Covering you all in prayers of comfort and strength.