Dr. John Robert Sanders

Dr. John Robert Sanders, 78, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on December 9, 2025. He was born on January 4, 1947, in Clopton, Alabama, to Glen and Robbie Sanders, where his love for the land and a life rooted in hard work first began.

John shared 58 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Lorraine Turner Sanders. Together, they made their home in Tallahassee, Florida, where they built a life centered on family, faith, and caring for others. They raised two children, Rob Sanders (MaryGrace) and Lori Skidmore (Brent), and were deeply proud of the family they built together.

After graduating from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1973, John and Lorraine moved to Tallahassee, where he began a career that was truly a calling. In 1979, he opened Westwood Animal Clinic, where he cared for animals—and the people who loved them—for decades. He treated every client with kindness and respect, and many became lifelong friends. John was active in the local veterinary community and served on the Florida Veterinary Medical Association executive board. As a family, they were also longtime supporters and volunteers of the Tallahassee Museum.

Later in life, John found his greatest joy returning to his roots at his farm in south Alabama. There, surrounded by open land, flowers, and trees, he felt most at peace. He loved being outside, watching the sunrise and sunset, and caring for the land that meant so much to him. The farm was where he felt closest to nature and to the values he grew up with—hard work, gratitude, and appreciation for the simple things. Time spent there with his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends created memories that will be cherished forever.

John took immense pride in his grandchildren—Cole, Emma, and Cooper Sanders, and Sarah Nan and Turner Skidmore—and loved watching them grow. Whether sharing stories, walking the land, or simply spending time together, being their “Grandaddy” was one of his greatest joys.

John will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He lived his life guided by faith, family, friendship, service to others, and love for the land. His quiet strength, steady presence, and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Robbie Sanders; his sisters, Betty Jordan and JoAnn Slay; and his brother, Glen Sanders.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Tallahassee Museum, missions at Killearn Methodist Church, or a charity of your choosing in John’s memory.