David Everitt Saunders was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 14, 1938. He was the second child of Everitt and Jane (MacRae) Saunders. David developed a love of country music as a teenager and, eventually, learned to play the guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and some piano and drums. After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1956, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served in aircraft mechanics for three years. He developed an aptitude for computer programming in the early 1960s and spent his career working in Management Information Services.
Jacquelyn Gale (Carver) Saunders was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She was the first-born to Walter and Fannie Carver. She grew up near her grandparents’ farm and enjoyed time spent with her siblings and cousins. As a young girl, the family moved to New Jersey.
Jacquie met Dave on a blind date in 1965. After a whirlwind courtship, the couple married. They raised their family in New Jersey, moving to California, and, eventually, settled in Tennessee. There, Dave became active in the local music community. He volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop #30 and was a model train enthusiast and collector.
Jacquie was a devoted wife and mother. She never missed a marching band performance, a choir concert, or a school musical. She was very proud of her work as an Environmental Librarian for BASF and Exxon. She appreciated beautiful things and passed that appreciation to her children and grandchildren, often taking them to museums, botanical gardens, artisan festivals, and natural sites. The highlight of her travels was a trip to Greece. Truly the “World’s Best Grandma”, Jacquie adored her grandchildren. She rarely missed a football game, basketball game, dance recital or scout banquet. She was, above all, a faithful servant to the Lord and was active in every church she attended. She volunteered for Vacation Bible School, taught children’s Sunday School, led a Women’s Circle, and helped with the Room in the Inn Ministry for many years.
Having recently celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary, Dave and Jacquie passed away in November and December, respectively, in 2020. The family was very blessed to have had Rev. Denman Frazer, Jacquie’s former pastor at Andrew Price United Methodist Church, minister to her as Hospice Chaplain in her final weeks.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Everitt and Jane (MacRae) Saunders. Jacquelyn is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Fannie Carver; her husband, David Everitt Saunders; and a brother, James Carver.
David and Jacquelyn are survived by daughters Judith Saunders (John McGriff), Linda Beth Licari (Charles), and Rebecca Saunders; grandchildren Stefan Saunders, Rachel Licari, and Matthew Licari; David’s sister Jane Cole (Linden); Jacquelyn’s sisters Angie Carr, Linda Sue Turner, and Christine Carver; David’s niece Catherine Cole (Michael Behrent); and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be a gathering of Friends and Family at Hibbett & Hailey Funeral Home on Saturday, March 20, 2021 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life in the Chapel at 2:00pm. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hibbetthaileyfh.com by clicking “Add A Memory”.
