Thomas Ray (Tom) Sanderson, 82, passed away suddenly on August 16, 2022. He was born October 16, 1939 in Smithville, Mississippi, to the late Hobson Sanderson, Sr., and the late Orrean Stevens Sanderson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Hobson Sanderson, Jr., Dick Sanderson and Phillip Sanderson.
Tom was married in 1962 to Dixie Cutrer Sanderson, who survives him. Tom and Dixie met as students at Mississippi College where they both graduated. The couple made their home in Madison, Mississippi, where Tom worked as a certified public accountant. Later, the couple moved to Tupelo, Mississippi, and Tom joined his brother Hobson’s construction company, Sanderson Construction, where he served until retirement as Vice President.
A devoted family man, Tom’s children were his world. He provided wise guidance, unconditional love, friendship and was a constant source of encouragement to them. In addition, he enjoyed gardening – everything from planting vegetables to growing beautiful zinnias and day lilies.
Tom was also a skilled cook. One of the many ways he showed love for his family was by preparing their favorite meals.
Faith was important to Tom and his relationship with Jesus was the foundation of that devotion. He served in numerous capacities at his church, including being a deacon, choir member and providing accounting services for the church and pastor. Faith by example was a gift he passed down to his children.
In addition to his wife, Dixie, Tom is survived by his daughters, Melanie Morris (Michael) and Sherrye Watson (Shawn), both of Birmingham, Alabama; a son, Tommy Sanderson (Amanda Hutton) of Birmingham; and grandchildren, Reed Watson, Caroline Watson and Anna Dixon Sanderson.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Galleria Woods Assisted Living for their loving care of Tom. He became friends with several of the aides and nurses. They were a source of comfort to him.
Tom's family will receive friends at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 10-11 a.m., followed by A Service of Remembrance at 11 a.m. at the funeral home's chapel. Burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SouthernHeritageFunerals.com for the Sanderson family.
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