1923
Jack
2010
Jack Saunders
April 24, 1923 — March 3, 2010
Jack Saunders, faithful husband, father, uncle, brother-in-law and friend went to live in the mansion prepared especially for him by his beloved Savior on Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, WV, after a short illness.
Jack was born on April 24, 1923, in Jesse, WV, to James W. Saunders and Victoria Harmon Saunders. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers: Charlie (Mabel), Croba (Mary), Lawrence (Nola), James (June), Ray (Orpha), and Robert; his sisters: Georgie (Tallmadge) Sigmon, Ruby (Herbert) Cook, Margaret (Vermin) Jewell, Ollie (Clayton) Acord, and Ruth (Raymond Sutherland, and her second husband, W.T. Kahle); and his parent-in-law, Walter and Locy Norman.
Jack is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lillie J. Norman Saunders and their children: Marilyn (Cecil) Davis of Akron, OH; Jack (Cathy) of Newton, NC; Jeffrey (Patti) of Conover, NC; and Joseph (Pat) of Sherills Ford, NC, as well as his sister-in-law, Genevieve (widow of Robert)
Jack’s legacy is carried on by his 13 grandchildren, 16 great grand-children, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially by his Mt. Tabor Baptist Church family who were often greeted at the church entrance by his hearty handshake or gentle hug.
Jack led a full, rich life that included serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Lamar (AP-47) as a Machinist Mate 3rd Class, in the Pacific Theater of Operations from 1941 until being honorably discharged on Dec. 2, 1945. He received the following decorations; Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the Philippine Defense Medal. He left Wyoming County in 1953 to settle in North Tonawanda, NY where he worked as a die-finisher for the Chevrolet Division of General Motors in Tonawanda, NY. He retired after 30 years of loyal service in 1985 and moved back to Beckley, WV, shortly afterwards in order to help care for his mother-in-law.
Jack was a life member of the VFW Post 11307 in Bolt, WV.
His favorite pastimes included working on car engines, fixing those things that always needed repair, playing his guitar, watching nature from his back porch overlooking the hills, fishing with buddies, and telling stories about the “good-old-days.” His wisdom came from a life rich with experiences, trials, and joys. Our lives are enriched by having known him.
The Saunders Family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Raleigh General Hospital and the Lucy Bowers Hospice House for their excellent care.
Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2010 at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church with Pastor Michael King officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church from 2:00 p.m. until service time on Sunday.
Oak Hill VFW Post 3110 will conduct military grave side honors.
Family members will serve as pallbearers.
On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Jack was born on April 24, 1923, in Jesse, WV, to James W. Saunders and Victoria Harmon Saunders. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers: Charlie (Mabel), Croba (Mary), Lawrence (Nola), James (June), Ray (Orpha), and Robert; his sisters: Georgie (Tallmadge) Sigmon, Ruby (Herbert) Cook, Margaret (Vermin) Jewell, Ollie (Clayton) Acord, and Ruth (Raymond Sutherland, and her second husband, W.T. Kahle); and his parent-in-law, Walter and Locy Norman.
Jack is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lillie J. Norman Saunders and their children: Marilyn (Cecil) Davis of Akron, OH; Jack (Cathy) of Newton, NC; Jeffrey (Patti) of Conover, NC; and Joseph (Pat) of Sherills Ford, NC, as well as his sister-in-law, Genevieve (widow of Robert)
Jack’s legacy is carried on by his 13 grandchildren, 16 great grand-children, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially by his Mt. Tabor Baptist Church family who were often greeted at the church entrance by his hearty handshake or gentle hug.
Jack led a full, rich life that included serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Lamar (AP-47) as a Machinist Mate 3rd Class, in the Pacific Theater of Operations from 1941 until being honorably discharged on Dec. 2, 1945. He received the following decorations; Purple Heart, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the Philippine Defense Medal. He left Wyoming County in 1953 to settle in North Tonawanda, NY where he worked as a die-finisher for the Chevrolet Division of General Motors in Tonawanda, NY. He retired after 30 years of loyal service in 1985 and moved back to Beckley, WV, shortly afterwards in order to help care for his mother-in-law.
Jack was a life member of the VFW Post 11307 in Bolt, WV.
His favorite pastimes included working on car engines, fixing those things that always needed repair, playing his guitar, watching nature from his back porch overlooking the hills, fishing with buddies, and telling stories about the “good-old-days.” His wisdom came from a life rich with experiences, trials, and joys. Our lives are enriched by having known him.
The Saunders Family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Raleigh General Hospital and the Lucy Bowers Hospice House for their excellent care.
Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 7, 2010 at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church with Pastor Michael King officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church from 2:00 p.m. until service time on Sunday.
Oak Hill VFW Post 3110 will conduct military grave side honors.
Family members will serve as pallbearers.
On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
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