Dick Sanderson

Amory - Francis Velear (Dick) Sanderson passed away suddenly at his home September 11, 2015. He entered heaven to be greeted by the love of his life, Earlene, whom he had been married to for over 60 years. Dick (Pop Pop) was born on November 17, 1934, in Monroe County, Mississippi to Hobson Leon Sanderson, Sr. and Emma Clementine Orrean Sanderson. He graduated Hatley High School in the class of 1952. He married his sweetheart Eva Earlene Johnson in 1953 and they had three children Steve, Rick, and Merri Sanderson.

At an early age he began learning the family trade while working with his father and grandfather in their construction business. He ventured out on his own and started Dick Sanderson Construction in 1961. He loved his work and in his career he built over 500 residences, many swimming pools, and numerous commercial and renovation projects. One of his greatest pleasures and honors was building Meadowood Baptist Church, for which he dearly loved and where he was an active member many years.

His favorite times were spent with his family playing Rook and dominoes, taking family vacations, hunting, and listening to Gaither gospel music, and outings with Earl and Lazette Stevens. Dick enjoyed Sunday dinners with family and weekly lunches with friends, especially at Regina Deen’s. He looked forward to visits at C&D, riding around and checking on jobs, and eating his wife’s fabulous cooking.

In his last months he was happiest at home having visits from friends, his granddaughters cooking breakfast for him, his three kids bringing home cooked meals and visiting, and spending time with his great grandchildren, his dog Bella, and his dearly beloved sitter/best friend Molly Moore.

Dick never met a stranger and was always trying to lend a helping hand. He was inspired by all for the type of man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend he was. He led a life of purpose with integrity, honesty, and humbleness. He loved the Lord above all, and the light that shined through him was contagious to all he came in contact with.

In addition to his parents, Hobson Sanderson, Sr., and Orrean Stevens Sanderson, he is preceded in death by his wife Earlene Sanderson, a stepmother Marie Wigginton Sanderson, his brother Phillip Sanderson, his brothers and sisters-in-law Theron and Mable Hood, Ed and Frances Harrison, a nephew Eddie Harrison, a granddaughter Mary Margaret Sanderson, and a great granddaughter Faith Sanderson Wright.

He is survived by his three children Steve Sanderson (Mary), Rick Sanderson (Donna), and Merri Sanderson (Terri). He is also survived by grandchildren Claire Wright (Justin), Caitlin Holloway (Kyle), Katharine Elizabeth Riley (Ben), Joey Mills (Lori), and Derik Graves. His great grandchildren Paxton Wright, Nash Holloway, Nora Kate Riley, Colby Mills, Chloe Mills, and Kinley Graves. He is survived by his brothers Hob Sanderson, Jr., Tom Sanderson (Dixie), Charles Sanderson (Lynn), and his sister Jane Walden (Phil). He is survived by nieces and nephews Ramona Saxon (Bill), Susan Duke (Terry), Brenda Boyd (Donald), Lisa Sisson (Charles), Hob Sanderson III, and a host of other nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Meadowood Baptist Church Saturday, September 12, 2015 from 5:00-8:00pm. Services will be Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 2:00pm at Meadowood Baptist Church with Dr. Lloyd Sweatt officiating and music by MBC choir. Interment follows at Haughton Memorial Gardens.

Pall bearers are Kyle Holloway, Justin Wright, Paxton Wright, Ben
Riley, Joey Mills, Colby Mills, Derik Graves, Brad Boyd, Terry Duke, and Charles Sisson. Honorary pall bearers are Matthew Duke, Justin Duke, Hob Sanderson III, Ryan Hill, Gary Knight, Jerome Woods, Roy Edwards, and Robin Sloan.

Memorials may be made to Meadowood Baptist Church Building Fund or Meadowood Baptist Church

Memories and Condolences may be shared with the family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com