Dwayne Harold Sanders

Sanders, 51, devoted his life to ministry with urban young people and was a staple in the Knoxville youth sports community. A native of Knoxville, Dwayne grew up in the inner city just blocks away from where Emerald Youth would eventually be launched decades later. He came to faith in college and subsequently devoted his life to ministry with young people through the vehicle of youth sports.

Under Sanders’ leadership, Emerald Youth’s sports ministry with city children grew from 322 children on 38 teams in 2012 to over 1,600 young people playing on 169 teams this past year. Additionally, the ministry of Emerald Youth Sports and FCA grew to add new sports, including soccer, track, wrestling, lacrosse, performance training, swim lessons, and baseball as well as additional ministry locations including the E.V. Davidson Pool in east Knoxville and the Sansom Sports Complex. This expansion provided additional opportunities for children from the heart of the city to attend FCA camps and be involved in campus ministries as well.

Sanders’ heart for reaching young people through sports began through his own experience growing up in urban Knoxville through seeds of influence planted by his high school football coach. He went on to play football and tennis at Maryville College and came to know Christ during his time there before formally launching his ministry after graduation in 1988.

In spite of tremendous results and achievements professionally through athletics, Sanders was always quick to avoid the limelight. He viewed his work as a calling and was known for his remarkable sense of humor, ability to relate to others, and personal story of faith.

In addition to a host of family and friends, Dwayne is survived by his wife of 27 years, Lisa Collins Sanders; children, Madison and Baylor; mother, Shirley Brewer; and sister and brother in law, Sheila and Jamie Picquet. The family wishes to extend special thanks Dr. Martin and the nurses at Tennessee Cancer Specialists.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 4th from 5:00-7:00pm at North Knoxville Baptist, Dwayne’s childhood church. A memorial service will be held at 7:00pm that same evening officiated by Steve Diggs, Dean Craig, and Pastor Tim Parker. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Emerald Youth Foundation and Greater Knoxville Area FCA. Arrangements are being handled by Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37919.