Tommy was raised in Blaine, MS. After graduation, he moved to Jackson, MS briefly before joining the army where he served in Korea. He was honorably discharged with a rank of Specialist Second Class (technician). Afterwards, he worked as a mechanic for Caterpillar and then became a farmer living in Lyon, MS until his retirement. He and Joyce then moved to Bartlett, TN to be near their children. Tommy and Joyce were members of the Catholic Church of The Nativity. Tommy enjoyed long road trips, being surrounded by family and friends, and sitting on his porch with friends in the afternoons.
He is survived by his wife Joyce Jose Sanders of Bartlett, TN and his children Susan Camille Sanders (Tammy) of Millington, TN, Alan Michael Sanders (Terri) of Bartlett, TN, and Andrea Sanders Brady (Kris) of Lewisberg, MS as well as grandchildren Jamie Topper Dial (Sean) and Cade Thomas Brady; and great grandchildren Emmit Austin Dial and Dalton Wyatt Dial; and preceded in death by great granddaughter Abby Caroline Dial.
Tommy has three surviving siblings Willie Frances Gregory of Fulton MS, Helon Smith of Carrolton, MS, Anthony Sanders (Nancy) of Clarksdale, MS and is preceded in death by four other siblings: Gertrude Sanders, Lillie May Thompson, Gordon Sanders, and Charlotte Brisendine.
In lieu of flowers, donations are to be made to Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, All 4s Rescue League, St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, or to Catholic Church of the Nativity.
Funeral service be held at 5:00pm on Wednesday, July 17 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd, Bartlett, TN. Visitation will follow the service from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
