He was a Christian and a member of Eastside Missionary Baptist Church. On September 21, 1956 he and Sallie Irene Burr were united in marriage. Together they had two children, William A. and Becky M, whom he loved very much. After working at the Coca Cola plant for 28 years, he became a successful business owner, opening his own transmission repair shop.
Preceding him in death were his parents, William Harvey Sanders and Emma Irene Trantham Sanders, his daughter Becky Marie Knight, two brothers, Arthur Sanders and Bob A. Sanders.
He is survived by his wife, Sallie Irene Sanders of Monticello; one son, William Sanders and wife Theresa of Star City; one sister Hazel Potts of Monticello; grandchildren Angela Sanders of Judsonia, Tina Goodwin and husband Jason of Cabot, Michael Knight and fiancee' Christie Crow of Crossett and Julie Gardner and husband Bubba of Monticello; great-grandchildren, Anna Goodwin, William Gardner, Brayson and Eythan Knight and Jordan Carter.
Condolences(20)
Chip Gardner
, KS Friday, April 15, 2011 Mrs. Irene, & Family, This is such a shock to me. Mr. Willie John, was a generous man. I remember the last time I saw him. My wife, & I were honored to have him, & Mrs. Irene at our reception on July 15th, 2007. He will be greatly missed. The Sanders Family are all in our prayers, during this time of loss.Danielle Rich
, AR Thursday, April 14, 2011 Tina and Family,I am so sorry about Mr. Sanders passing. He is now in a better place and no longer in pain. May his memories always be with you all. I will be praying for you and your family that God may give you strength during this difficult time.
Love,
Danielle
Hazel Pennington
Las Vegas, NV Thursday, April 14, 2011 My condolences go out to the family. Willie John and I went to school together. Trust in the Lord and lean on him for your needs.Hershel Gober
Palm Coast, FL Thursday, April 14, 2011 Willie John and I went to Enon School together. He was a good friend and became a good man. He will be missed by all who knew him.Glenda Andrews
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 14, 2011 Mrs. Sanders, I am saddened to know that Willie has passed away and I am so sorry for your loss. What a happy and ready smile he always had!! I bet that he and Gene are having a big talk and Gene is telling him some of those "teaching stories" which there were many. I will always remember Willie's smile and his kindness. I love you very much.James and Gladys Youngblood
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 13, 2011 Irene and Family--Willie John was my classmate an also a friend. He was always such a kind and friendly person. We will miss him. My sympathy to all of the family. GladysAmy Scales
, TX Wednesday, April 13, 2011 Dear Tina and family,I am so sorry for your loss of such a dear loved one. Each of you are in my prayers and will continue to be in the coming days. May God place his loving arms in comfort around you.
Love,
Amy
Dolph Hayes
Pine Bluff, AR Wednesday, April 13, 2011 My condolences to the Sanders Family. Wllie was a good friend. We went to school together. I know you all will miss him.Dennis Wells
Springdale, CT Wednesday, April 13, 2011 Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Willie. I have fond memories of seeing him at the Coke plant when I would go see Dad at work and later working there. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.Tammy and celina houser
Peru, IN Wednesday, April 13, 2011 May God Bless You Aunt Irene You are in our prayers We miss you and Love You.Steven Houser
Peru, IN Wednesday, April 13, 2011 All our love and prayers are with you today and always.James and Kathy Berry
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 13, 2011 Mrs. Sanders and FamilyOur hearts go out to you with the loss of Willie John. We can not remember the time when we did not know each other. Attending school with Willie John and then you were such a wonderful teacher to both of our children, Wade and Rhonda at Enon School.
Our love and prayers
James and Kathy
Carole (Johns) Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Hazel and all the family, I was so sorry to read of Willie John's passing. I know that this will leave a void in your lives but lean on the Lord and trust in Him to handle your every need. May His Grace guide you through this difficult time. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.Love,
Carole
wayne crumpler
mcgehee, AR Tuesday, April 12, 2011 so sorry for the lost of Willie John. he will be missed..Walter & Norma Chapman
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Irene and family, Sorry to hear of Willie John's passing. His life was a testimony of his faith in Christ and rest assured dear friend we will be reunited some day. He lived an exemplary life which will continue to be an example to others..Rest in peace dear brother in Christ.barbara milburn
, AR Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Mrs. Sanders, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.JIM AND BUNNY BURR
VAN BUREN, AR 72956, AR Tuesday, April 12, 2011 AUNT IRENE, WE ARE DEEPLY SADENED TO HEAR ABOUT WILLIE JOHN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU. LOVE, BUNNY AND JIMC.L. Jones
Conroe, TX Tuesday, April 12, 2011 So sorry to hear of a classmate passing away. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Willie John is in a plcae where there's no more pain. I will see him again one day.T LANE KEELING
HERMTIAGE, AR Tuesday, April 12, 2011 My heart goes out to all of you. Uncle Willie John will be greatly missed! He brought such joy to everyone he knew. They don't make them like him anymore. I know that he is in a far better place. God Bless and keep you.T Lane Keeling
Sheila Gardner
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 12, 2011 Mrs. Sanders and Family,Your family means so much to me. I have so many precious memories of our times together. Mr. Willie John was such a gentle soul. He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.