Clyde O. Saunders

Reverend Clyde Oliver Saunders went to be with the Lord October 13, 2010.

Reverend Saunders was born in Jacksonville, FL February 16, 1919 and served during World War II as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, fighting in Luxembourg and Germany and participated in the Berlin Occupation. He was reading Martin Luther’s Thesis “nailed on the church door” when a buddy ran up and yelled that the war was over. Reverend Saunders retired from Greyhound Bus Lines after 33 years of service as a maintenance supervisor. Born to a Baptist preacher and baptized at the age of 13, Reverend Saunders was ordained into the ministry in 1972 and served as pastor of Loring heights Baptist Church for 17 years. After moving to Rome in 1989,Reverend Saunders did interim work and was a member of the Garden Lakes Baptist Church where he taught the Men’s Adult Bible Class, Wednesday night Bible Study and directed the Senior Adult Choir. He loved the Chick Fil A breakfasts after Tuesday practices.

Reverend Saunders is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Sharpe Saunders; four daughters and sons in law Alicia (Ken) Roberts, Peggy (Bob) Elsberry. Patsy (Pete) Cofer, and Pamela (Jerry) Bearden. Ten grandchildren, twenty five great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild also survive

Funeral services will be conducted at 12 Noon Saturday October 16, 2010 at the Garden Lakes Baptist Church with Dr. Richard Kremer and Dr. Michael Woods officiating. Interment will follow in the Oaknoll Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Garden Lakes Baptist Church Saturday from 11 AM until 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heyman Hospice or the Garden Lakes Baptist Church Building Fund.

The following sons in law and grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Bob Elsberry, Pete Cofer, Jerry Bearden, Ken Roberts, Kent Elsberry, Joel Bearden, and Matthew Cofer.

Daniel’s Funeral Home is serving the family of Reverend Clyde Oliver Saunders.