John E. Sanders, Sr.

Mr. John E. Sanders, Sr., age 91, of Johnson City, passed away, Wednesday, February 1, 2012 in the Johnson City Medical Center. Mr. Sanders was a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He was the son of the late John Lewis Sanders and Lillie Cantrell Sanders. In addition to his parents his first wife of forty-six years, Sally Kemp Sanders; one son, George Saul Sanders also preceded him in death. Mr. Sanders graduated from Woodlawn High School in Birmingham and began work with Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. He retired after forty-eight years of service. He was instrumental in the organization of the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company Quarter Century Club. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany, France, and Belgium. After his retirement from CBI, he worked for the Birmingham Civic Center and after his move to Johnson City he did volunteer work at the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a lifetime member of the South Avondale Baptist Church in Birmingham where he served in many areas including Sunday School, Brotherhood and Deacon. He was also a member of Central Baptist Church and the Rigell Sunday School Class. Survivors include: his wife, Claudette Starrett Sanders of the home; one son, John E. Sanders, Jr. and his wife Janie of Johnson City; one daughter, Sally Sanders McCammon of Birmingham, Alabama; three grandchildren, Kelly Sanders McNees and her husband Don, Leslie Sanders Godfrey and her husband Eddie and Skye McCammon; five great grandchildren, Duncan, Patrick, Maggie McNees, Mallory and Oliver Godfrey; two stepdaughters, Susan Starrett Hanes and Stephani Starrett Allen; seven stepgrandchildren, Sarah, Joy, John David, Abbey, Melissa, Ben Allen and Max Mason. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Christian Care Center for the attention and care given to John. Also a special thank you to the Senior Adult Ministery and the Rigell Sunday School Class at Central Baptist Church for the love, attention and joy they brought to John in these last years. The funeral service for Mr. John E. Sanders, Sr. will be conducted at 4 PM Saturday, February 4, 2012 in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Chaplain Dwight MacPherson will officiate. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 PM Saturday prior to the service. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 10 AM Monday, February 6, 2012 in the Ridouts Forest Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.