Obituary of James Ray Sanders

Sanders, James Ray, 78, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, April 30, 2018. Born on October 24, 1939, in Monteagle, Tennessee, Jim will forever be remembered for his huge heart and his generosity. He brought laughter to everyone he met and gave freely of himself to family and friends.

 

Jim attended Monteagle Elementary School, Sewanee Military Academy, Grundy County High School (Class of 1957), and was a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. In 1957, while at MTSU, Jim met his future wife, Carol
Kay Witt. They married in 1963, beginning a life-long love affair lasting 55 years. Rarely apart, Jim’s last gift to Kay was to awaken briefly two days before his death, wink, hold and kiss her hand, and tell her he loved her.

 

Jim owned Sanders Coal and Trucking and later expanded to the mining industry. He founded the original Monteagle Auto Parts and was a partner in Dixie Cargo.

 

Jim is the son of James Herman and Wrenn Carlene (Wallace) Sanders, who preceded him in death, along with his sister, Dorothy Juanita Sanders.

 

Jim is survived by son Jay Herman Sanders (Terri); daughter Amanda Kay Phillips (Eddie); grandchildren Hunter DeVaughan, James Thomas, and Hannah Ruth Phillips; and Katherine Elizbeth Sanders. His extended family includes cousins Dee Hargis (Jody); Hope Underhill; and Carter Underhill (Carol); and cousins Victoria, Kenji, Matthew, Kyle, Landon, Blane, Eden, and Ethan.

 

The family would like to thank special family member Jo Parsons, along with the excellent caregivers from Tree of Life including Stacy Campbell and Stacy Melton. In addition, Jim’s final days were eased by the care of Hospice, especially Hospice nurse Deborah Reynolds.

 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at Cumberland Funeral Home for family at 4 p.m., and friends beginning at 5 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at Cumberland Funeral Home at 2 p.m., with burial to follow at Monteagle Cemetery. Offering a word of prayer during the service will be Bishop Millsaps, Paul Tittle, and Clayton Jones. Funeral arrangements were provided by Dean Lay at Cumberland Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.cumberlandfuneralhome.net.