Mr. Ray Sanders, 71, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on July 19, 2024, at his home. He was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on December 19, 1952. He was preceded by his parents, Herman Sanders and Adell Rogers Sanders. Also, by a son, Douglas Sanders; a brother, Pete Sanders; and a sister, Helen Porter.
He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Wanda Sanders; five sons, Robert (Kim) Sanders, Richard (Teresa) Sanders, Michael (Kimberly) Sanders, Aubrey Sanders, and Bobby Sanders all of Woodbury; brothers, Wayne (Sherry) Sanders and Ronnie Sanders both of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Beatrice (Johnathan Nichols) Sanders, Brianna (Chris) Sanders, Julianne Hodge, and Connor Tucker; great grandson, Daryl Sanders; best friend, Billy Worley; and fur buddy, Max.
Ray was born in the Cripple Creek community of Rutherford County. Life in this part of the country, post WW2, was still hard for many families. Ray’s family was no exception. He dropped out of school as a boy to help his family on the farm. Milking cows and pitching in to put food on the table. Just across the creek and up the hill lived the Barlow family. It didn’t escape his attention; they had a pretty young daughter named Wanda who caught his eye. Every chance he had he would cross the creek to go see her. In 1971 they tied the knot and started their family.
Starting off they didn’t have much, but they made the best of what they had and filled in the gaps with love. They found a place to live in Lascassas. Ray and Wanda didn’t have a car at first and he would walk to Murfreesboro looking for work every day. Even though they were struggling, they managed to have everything they needed. Ray and Wanda believed in taking care of family or anyone else who needed a hand. It wasn’t long before they took in two of Wanda’s younger brothers to help raise. They were happy to continue the tradition of helping raise and care for the grandchildren.
He was mechanically inclined and learned how to work on his own cars and small engines. He was also quick to share his knowledge with his family. Making sure to show them how to work on their own cars. His great grandson, Darrell, would often shadow his Papa to see how to work on the lawn mower. Growing up the hard way didn’t mean he didn’t know how to laugh and cut up. Ray was the kind of man who spoke his mind and told you how it was. Work wasn’t the only thing on Ray’s mind. Fishing was a hobby he enjoyed, and the grandchildren could tag along. Walking afforded him the opportunity to spend time with them and his fur buddies. His favorite route was on the greenway in Murfreesboro meandering through the Stones River National Battlefield.
Although he didn’t subscribe to formal norms of religion, by showing up in church. He believed in God and kept his Bible close at hand to read from. He and Wanda made sure to treat others as they would want to be treated and take care of their family. Through thick and thin they stuck together and made sure the family knew they were loved.
Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 10-1 pm. Memorial services will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 1 pm. Tim Gentry will officiate. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com. Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.