Donald Sanders

Donald Freeman Sanders, Sr., 71 of Irondale, Alabama departed his earthly home to his mansion in heaven on January 29th, 2022 after a lengthy and difficult struggle from many chronic illnesses. He passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones. Don began his life journey in this world on February 23rd,1950.

Born to Joe Freeman Sanders and Laura Oline (Grissom) Sanders both from Birmingham, Alabama. Both his father and mother precede him in death as well as his sister Laura Mae (Sanders) Peoples and brother-in-law James Peoples, his brother Larry Joe Sanders, his daughter Deanna Michelle (Sanders) Newsome (Allen) and half-sister Sonya Miller (Steve). He is survived by his wife Sherry, his children Donald Sanders Jr. (Cari), Steven Sanders and Courtney Sanders Bigbee (Tyler), step children Lisa Lovern, Lanny Walters and Janice Tombrello.

Don's legacy begins with the love of family. He enjoyed being involved with his children whether it be coaching or just spending time on vacations at the beach. He never forgot a birthday of family and close friends. He was an exceptional man, annointed by God, who spent many years as a Pastor preaching, mentoring, evangelizing and displaying his devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ to any and all who needed to hear. As he struggled with his illnesses the scripture that carried him throughout was "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

~Philippines 4:13~

He was witty and fun loving. He was a patient man, never complained even in his illness. He made everyone feel better just by being around him. He had a smile that could warm any heart. He was thoughtful, compassionate, sincere and truly genuine.

He had an almost obsessive passion to do things well. As an entrepreneur he was the owner of several businesses. He was known for his generosity and honesty throughout his entire life. As an athlete he excelled in whatever sport he played. As a child he loved baseball and played in several little leagues as a pitcher with quite a few accolades. As an adult he still played baseball, was in bowling leagues, but his true affinity was golf and he was of course very good at it. He was revered among his fellow golfers as a member of Heatherwood Country Club and achieved numerous awards.

He married his wife Sherry on July 29th,1999. Their love was an intricate and intimate dance together sharing everything no matter the circumstance. Each being one half of the other to make a whole just as God ordained marriage to be. Commitment and loyalty and even in death they cannot be separated as they believed in the perfect reunion awaiting them. A true and pure love story that time and space cannot erase.

Don was blessed with a very large family. Those that are still among us and those that have since long passed. He had many names Pastor, Reverend, Dad, Daddy, Papa Don, Grandad and Granddaddy. He lived up to them all being at the head of fifteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

So much more could be said about him, but those who knew him could not speak or recall an ill word. That was who he was. He touched the lives of so many people. Some he knew and those he didn't. His memory, his life and legacy will live in the hearts and minds of each of them.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 5th at Christway Church of God, 961 Rocket Way, Gardendale, Alabama 35071

Friends of the family will be received at 11:00 am. Celebration service to begin at 1:00 pm

Internment at 3:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, 1591 Gadsden Highway,  Trussville, Alabama 35235