Jack Richard Sanders, Jr.

On Thursday, January 5, 2023, Jack Richard Sanders, Jr. peacefully departed from this life while holding the hands of his beloved wife Patty and cherished son Michael. Jack’s final moments were victorious yet serene, witnessed by a room full of those who loved him most.

Born in Greenville, SC, he was the eldest child and only son of the late Jack Richard and Florence Webb Sanders, Sr. Jack and his family performed as a Gospel band called “The Sanders Family” and spent many hours traveling the South and performing at local churches and revivals. He even wrote and performed his own songs.

After attending Parker High School, Jack enlisted in the US Navy and lived briefly in San Diego, CA. He was proud of his time in the service and completed an associate degree in electronic engineering during his tenure. After Jack was honorably discharged, he returned to his home in Greenville with his two children, Michael and Jay.

Jack felt blessed to be a father and played an active role in his children’s lives. He was exceedingly proud of his children and served as a friend and role model. He taught them to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and show respect for everyone regardless of where they come from. During his leisure time, Jack enjoyed fishing with his son on local lakes and ponds. He served as a past president of the Monaview Youth Association & Recreational League where his athletic abilities enabled him to coach and play alongside his children during their early years. They enjoyed swimming as a family and watching college football. Always a devoted Clemson football fan, Jack’s happiest seasons were those spent cheering on his son Michael when he played for the Tigers under Coach Ford!

In addition to his role as Dad, Jack was an adored “Uncle Flunk” to his many nieces and nephews. He was known for dressing up as Santa, playing games, singing songs, and going out of his way to make them feel special!

Jack always said God brought Patty to him in 2001, and she confessed she fell in love with him when she first saw a familiar comfort and kindness in his eyes. Jack had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. The couple shared 22 years filled with dancing, laughing, and bringing out the very best in one another. They were soul mates.

He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Patty D. Sanders; a son, Michael Sanders (Laura); two daughters, Brandy Bates (Tony) and Mandy Derrick (Reed); grandchildren, Erin Phillips, Ellison Sanders, Master Sgt. Amber Tiamzon, Amanda Reese, Micah Reese, Avie Bowlby (Ben), Brianna Tucker, Jasia Bates, Bella Derrick; and great-grandchildren, Weston Sanders, Myra Tiamzon, Braden Reese, Elizabeth Reese, and Lewie Bowlby.

He also leaves his sisters, Wyndell Hicks (Jim) and Faye Summer (Keith); two brothers-in-law, Scott Long and Jeff Sullivan; and a special aunt whom he called “Sis”, Brenda Davis (Doug). Jack is loved and mourned by a host of nieces and nephews and their families, numerous cousins, and members of the Ricafrente Family.

Jack was predeceased by his daughter Jay Leigh Sanders (2008) and two sisters, Beverly Long and Debbie Sullivan.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. Committal prayers and military honors rendered by members of the US Navy Funeral Honor Guard and American Legion Post #124 will follow the service in Greenville Memorial Gardens.

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