Jesse L. "Sonny" Sanders

Asheville and Franklin - Jesse L. "Sonny" Sanders, age 85, of Asheville formerly of Macon County passed away Sunday, March 17, 2013 in Asheville. He was born in Macon County, the son of the late Jesse L. Sanders, Sr. and Ida Florence Shope Sanders. He had worked in a textile mill doing electrical maintenance. He was a loving husband and father, he liked working crossword puzzles, and NASCAR racing. He was a member of West Asheville Baptist Church and was active in his Sunday School Class.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lucille Jennings Sanders, one son, Stan Sanders and his wife, Ann of Leicester, NC; three sisters, Betty Owens of Charlotte, NC, Olivia Reece of Anderson, SC and Amelia Trull of Etowah, NC; three brothers, Harris Sanders of Greenville, SC, Jay Sanders and Jim Sanders both of Franklin, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Willa Styles, Elura Belle Walters, Margaret Harrison and Edith Conley and two brothers, Charles Sanders and Timothy Sanders.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 21st at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Bryant Grant Funeral Home, with Rev. Randy Drinnon officiating. Burial will be in Prentiss Baptist Church Cemetery. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 1:00 till 2:00 pm, Thursday, one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prentiss Baptist Church, c/o Beverly Ledford,1220 Belle Dowdle Road, Franklin, NC 28734. or West Asheville Baptist Church, 926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.

Bryant Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.