Thomas Koonce Sanders Sr.

Thomas Koonce Sanders, Sr., went to be with the Lord on December 11, 2011. Affectionately known as “Papa Bear” by family and friends, Mr. Sanders was born on July 21, 1932 in Nashville, TN. He is preceded in death by parents, Emma Mae Koonce and James Jernigan Sanders; and brothers, Harvey Wade Sanders, James Jernigan Sanders, Jr., and William David Sanders.

Mr. Sanders graduated from the Duncan School at just sixteen years of age before enrolling in Vanderbilt University in 1949. After two years of service in the military following his education, he was ready to start both a business and a family.

A pioneer in Nashville warehouse development, Mr. Sanders and his partners created Space Park East, Nashville’s first multi-tenant industrial property. After developing over 3 million sq ft, the Space Park moniker and concept still thrives in multiple Nashville locations today. Quick-witted and humble, Mr. Sanders enjoyed a very successful career in real estate development, which he faithfully attributed to “good luck” for many years.

His luck would certainly not end there. Despite a professor’s warning that he would not amount to anything by playing Bridge, Mr. Sanders turned a collegiate passion into one of the most illustrious careers the game will ever see. With his loving wife of 55 years, Carol, a World Grand Master in her own right, by his side, he explored the far reaches of the world; lifelong friends at every port, respect forged in competition at every table. He won the 1980 Cavendish Invitational Pairs, the 1986 Israel Swiss Team Championship and Beijing International Friendship Cup, and the 1987 Beijing Ambassador’s Cup. He holds the unique distinction of being the only Vanderbilt alumnus to win the Vanderbilt Cup; three times no less. He is a lifetime member of the ACBL Board of Governors where he served as President in 1986 and Chairman of the Board in 1987, founder of the ACBL Education Foundation, and was elected President Emeritus in 1990. A growing love for traditional Dixieland jazz music accompanied an unprecedented career at the card tables, which was officially recognized by induction into the ACBL Hall of Fame in 2002. Friends, family, success, music, international acclaim; our Papa Bear seemed to have all the luck in the world.

But Mr. Sanders and his family remembered those later years as the time he was reborn, no longer tethered to the notion of luck, because he was now in the presence of Jesus Christ. He bowed his head to pray with newfound conviction, and vowed to dedicate his remaining years to a life of service and humility in the name of the Lord. He witnessed fearlessly and always acted with compassion as he faithfully supported the family he loved. His earthly life has come to an end, but his relationship with Jesus Christ has truly just begun, which makes him the luckiest person to have ever lived.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Carol Melton Sanders; his children, Lynn Sanders Cates (John), Jan Sanders Jacobs, Thomas Koonce Sanders, Jr. (Pam), Constance Sanders Cates (Jamie), Catherine Sanders McPherson (Steve), Richard Melton Sanders; his grandchildren, Melissa Bath Clift (Bo), Bryan Christopher Bath, Lynlee Cates Kennedy (Lee), Holland Carol Cates, John Harvey Cates, Jr., Christen Cates Johnson (Scott), James Wilson Cates III, Thomas Koonce Sanders III, Caroline Joyner Sanders, Maggie Catherine McPherson, Jackson Lee McPherson, James Stephen McPherson, Joseph Lynn McPherson, Shelby Marie Sanders, Christian Paul Sanders; his great-grandchildren, Braelyn Sanders Clift, Karsyn Bo Clift, Lee Locke Kennedy, Jr., Cates McCorvey Kennedy, Britton Christopher Bath; his nieces, Elizabeth Ann Sanders, Martha Sanders Gennett, Elizabeth Sanders Evans, Amy Sanders Justus, Harper Sanders Mowry; his nephews, James Jernigan Sanders III, Stephen Wright Sanders, William David Sanders, Jr.; great-nieces and great-nephews. Honorary pallbearers, his brothers in Christ from Christ Presbyterian Church; active pallbearers, his grandsons. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Presbyterian Church’s missions, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or the ACBL Education Foundation . Memorial Service will be Friday afternoon at Two O’clock at CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 2323 Old Hickory Blvd # A Nashville, TN 37215, (615) 373-2311. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation Thursday evening from Four O’clock till Seven O’clock at WOODLAWN-ROESCH PATTON FUNERAL HOME, 660 Thompson Lane, (615) 383-4754.