Frank Thornton Saunders

Frank Thornton Saunders, 98, passed away Tuesday February 25, 2020 at a local hospital.

Frank was born to the late Charles Henry Saunders and Mamie Dowdle Saunders on March 18, 1921. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Robert (Beverly) Saunders, Lewis Saunders, Fred (Laura) Saunders and his sisters, Emma Jane Phillips (Nat) and Edna Henry (Napoleon).

Frank was a proud veteran of the US Navy, having served aboard the battleship USS South Dakota, which was present in Tokyo Bay when the treaty to end World War II was signed. After the War, he returned home to Franklin to help his widowed mother on their farm and remained a farmer for the rest of his life. He was a truly good person, kind and generous to everyone.

He is survived by his foster son, Clayton Brewer of Franklin, NC. Also surviving are his nieces Jean McCollum and Dr. Sandra Saunders of Franklin, and Jeannie Allen (Eddie) of Sevierville, TN and Sheila Ellis of Knoxville, TN. Nephews surviving are Max Phillips and Richard Phillips of Asheville and Charles Saunders and John Saunders. He also had several great nieces and great nephews.

Graveside service will be held at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 2:00pm with full military honors by VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108. Frank was a proud member of both Posts.

Donations can be made to the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery fund.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Saunders family.

Online condolences can be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com