Vernon Elbert Sanders, Jr.

Vernon Elbert Sanders, Jr. Forsyth . . . . . Vernon Sanders, age 70, passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2014 peacefully surrounded by his beloved family. Mr. Sanders was born and raised in Forsyth, GA on his family’s dairy farm. He was a 1962 graduate of Mary Persons High School where he played football on the 1958 team, and the 1959, 1960, and 1961 teams under Coach Dan Pitts. He was also active in Future Farmers of America. He attended Clemson University where he studied agriculture and played on the 1962 and 1963 teams. Vernon was a lifelong member of Forsyth United Methodist Church where he was baptized in 1954. He was active in his community as a member of the MP Touchdown Club, serving as President numerous times. He was also active in Georgia Farm Bureau, the Monroe County Jaycees, the GA Cattlemen’s Association, the Georgia Dairy Association and the Forsyth Golf Club, where he also served as President. He was a dedicated coach in Monroe County’s Little League football program, serving as a coach to numerous boys. Mr. Sanders could be found at every MP home game in the press box calling play by play action as the “Voice of the Bulldogs.” In 2014, the press box was named in his honor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Emily Sanders, and his sister, Elsie Sanders Ham. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of nearly 48 years, LaVue Bloodworth Sanders, his four sons who were his pride and joy and his thirteen grandchildren, who were his great joy: Clete and Marcy Sanders of Forsyth, Clint and Ronda Sanders of Milan, Chad and Veronica Sanders of Forsyth, Vern and Joy Sanders of Forsyth. His grandchildren are Katie, Summer and Naomi Sanders, William, Heath and Elizabeth Sanders, Maggie Leigh, Savana, Dakota and Chesna Sanders, John Wyatt, Bella Grace, and Madeline Monroe Sanders. He is also survived by his sister, Nell and Kelly Joseph of Forsyth, his brother-in-law, Benson and Ruth Ham of Smarr, his aunt, Nora Ball of Jackson, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Forsyth United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with graveside services to follow at Monroe Hills Memorial Gardens. Reverend Ken Stephens will officiate. Visitation will be at Monroe County Memorial Chapel on Friday, May 16 th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Jay’s Hope Foundation, 1157 B Forsyth Street, Macon, GA 31201 or to The Monroe County Pregnancy Center, 13 North Lee Street, Suite 2000, Forsyth, GA 31029. Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.