He was born on November 21, 1942, in Minden, LA.
Barry was a devoted husband and is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Linda Buckner Sanders. He leaves behind his pride and joy of three beautiful daughters, Kelly (Clark) Stevenson of Olive Branch, MS, Keitha (Stan) Lee of Moscow, TN, and Heather (Corey) Reeves of Montverde, FL. Barry, who was affectionately known as “Pop,” was a very proud grandfather to twelve grandchildren; Laurel (David) Spradlin, Bryce Stevenson, Mitchell (Allison) Lee, Levi Reeves, Colby Reeves, Hudson Reeves, Samuel Stevenson, Lincoln Reeves, Meili Reeves, Henry Lee, Adam Stevenson, and Minli Jane Reeves. He was also thrilled to be a future great-grandfather to his first great-granddaughter due this coming spring.
Barry was preceded in death by his infant son; daughter, Kristi Lee Sanders; and parents, Leroy and Mary Alice (Youngblood) Sanders of Minden, LA.
Barry made the decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age at a revival service at Gilgal Baptist Church in Minden, LA. Barry became a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church in 1974 where he and Linda faithfully served in several capacities. They also attended Immanuel Baptist Church for eleven years before returning to Ridgeway Baptist Church where their current membership is held.
One of Barry’s proudest accomplishments was his service to his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, from January 1965 to January 1969. He was always quick to tell you, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” His family and friends have had the pleasure of hearing his memories and stories of his time in the military and they will be treasured for many years. Barry graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in November of 1969. In 1970, he was given the opportunity to work for State Farm Insurance Company. Barry worked as an agent in the Memphis area for forty-eight years. Barry was proud of the work he did for State Farm along with the meaningful friendships he made with his clients and fellow agents. After fifty-one years of service with State Farm, Barry retired in December of 2021.
Anyone who knew Barry, knew his great love for the outdoors. Barry was passionate about hunting and fishing from a very young age. Barry found great pleasure spending a lazy afternoon on a lake or cool fall day in a deer stand. He loved to share his passion with his dearest friends and family members. There are numerous stories to tell and memories to share of Barry in the great outdoors and he will be greatly missed by all who shared in his hobby with him.
Barry Sanders was one of a kind. To know him was to love him. He fiercely loved his family and friends. Until we meet again, we will all continue to honor his memory as our beloved husband, father, “Pop,” and friend.
A visitation for Barry will be held Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 11:00 AM until the funeral service at 12:30 PM, at Ridgeway Baptist Church, 2500 Ridgeway Road, Memphis, TN 38119. Committal service with USMC Funeral Honors will follow at 2:00 PM, at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125.
Serving as pallbearers are Clark Stevenson, Stan Lee, Corey Reeves, Mitchell Lee, Levi Reeves, Colby Reeves, Bryce Stevenson, Hudson Reeves, Samuel Stevenson, Lincoln Reeves, Henry Lee, and Adam Stevenson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ridgeway Baptist Church, 2500 Ridgeway Road, Memphis, TN 38119.
