Jimmy Wayne Saunders

Services celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021 in the Chapel of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home with Joey Cope, officiating at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories in the Saunders Family plot. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday, June 30, from 4-7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Jimmy was born on February 28, 1959 in Mesa, Arizona to the late Kenneth Leonard Saunders and Peggy (Tidwell) Saunders. Born into a military family he moved around a lot growing up before the family settled in Abilene. At the age of 12, Jimmy made the decision to be baptized into Christ, making him his Lord and savior. Early in life Jimmy began to deal with multiple health problems. It was during this time that he cultivated an endurance for difficulty and learned the love and support of having family. Though a large portion of his younger years were spent hospitalized he still achieved rank as an Eagle Scout, graduated from Abilene Christian High School in 1977 and went on to attend Abilene Christian University. Jimmy was employed by State School, and also worked with K.A.C.U Radio for a while. Jimmy met the love of is life Kathryn Fortner and they were married on October 20, 2001. Their union brought newfound joy and life to Jimmy and they experienced many years of love and celebration before her passing last month. Jimmy was a member of the Key City Coin club where he served as an officer, and could be counted on for sagely and profitable advice when it came to coins. Jimmy and Kathryn enjoyed a routine of meeting up a Mezamiz Coffee Shop, and they also enjoyed attending games at McMurray and ACU. He will be remembered for excellent trivia skills, laid back and calm demeanor, his loyalty for the Washington Redskins, and his love for music.

He was preceded in death by his father; beloved wife, Kathryn Saunders; paternal grandparents, Leonard and Vera Saunders; maternal grandparents, Cecil and Frances Tidwell, and Mary Margaret Tidwell Radosevich; and a great niece, Jessica Xeta Voss. He is survived by his devoted mother, Peggy Tidwell Saunders Townsend; his sister, Serena L. Voss and her husband, Jim; nephew, Dr. Michael Voss and his wife Jill X. Voss, and Lorena Hannel and her husband Dr. Jeff Hannel; great-nieces and nephews, Mason, Jenna, and Julie Voss; Dacia, and Saidee Hannel; his paternal aunt, Jane Stroup; a host of cousins other relatives and special friends.

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Christian Service Center in Abilene or a charity of choice.