Thomas Sanders

Thomas E. Sanders, (Tom), passed away Monday, July 13 at his home in Vernon with his beloved wife Peggy, his loving son Tommy and his niece Diana Cantrell by his side.

Tom was a graduate of Lamar County High School and Mississippi State University. Between high school and college, he proudly joined the U.S. Navy where he served for four years. He was stationed in San Diego, CA, Treasure Island in San Francisco, and completed his Naval career in Charleston, SC. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Gregory. During his time served, Tom docked at Pearl Harbor, The Philippines, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, Japan, Sydney, Australia, and other numerous ports.

After college, Tom spent ten years in industry and then opened his own accounting practice in Vernon.

Tom loved traveling with his wife Peggy. They have shared many precious memories of their trips out West and along the East coast. As much as he loved traveling, he loved his country life and working with his cattle on the farm with his family by his side. During the summer you could find him in the hay field. He also treasured his time with his two grandchildren. He introduced them to the farm life before they could walk. They loved feeding the cows, playing in the barn, and riding in the “green jeep”. He also loved watching for Santa with them on Christmas Eve and would even help spread the “reindeer food”. He cherished every moment with them.

Tom was also very involved in the community and church. He served as President of the Kiwanis Club for several years and the Cattlemen’s Association. He was faithful to his church, Calvery Baptist in Vernon, where he served as treasurer for over 25 years.

Tom was the son of the late G.K. And Eunice Sanders of Vernon, Al. He was preceded in death by his four brothers Charles, Gay, Billy, James and his two sisters Virginia and Gale Sanders.

Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Peggy Atkins Sanders, Vernon); his son Tommy (Mandy), Alabaster, Al; and two grandchildren Lauren Sanders Carlisle (Brady), Pelham, Al, and TC Sanders, Alabaster, Al, along with a host of family and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 17, at 2:00 PM, in the chapel of Chandler Funeral Home, with Jerry Ray and Ed Gosa officiating. Burial will follow at Sanders Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 PM prior to the service.

Pallbearers will be TC Sanders, Steve Thompson, Brady Carlisle, Jackson Sanders, Marcus Brown and Wade Patterson. Honorary pallbearers will be Ed Gosa, Ray Waldrep, Jacky Pennington, Brett Lovitz, Roger Black, Phillip Barnes and Terrell Guthrie.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of North West AL and his devoted caregivers for the compassion, support and kindness shown to Tom. They also want to thank Priscilla Ayers for the devoted care and love shown to Tom and his family.