JOE NEAL SANDERS, JR.
April 2, 1938 ~ March 6, 2025
Joe Neal Sanders Jr., 86 of San Antonio, passed away on March 6th, 2025, after a short battle with heart disease. Joe was born on April 2, 1938, to the late Joe N. Sanders, Sr and Bertha Horton Sanders in Ripley, TN. He was the oldest of four children, Tommy Ray, Calvin, and Shirley Sanders. In 1953, while in high school, he met his future spouse, Elizabeth (Liz) Henning. The two high school sweethearts were wed June 16, 1956, going on to have four children: Micholas (Mike) Paula, Joe III (Neal) and Elizabeth (Carol).
Joe graduated from Lauderdale High School in Ripley, May 1956 and immediately joined the United States Air Force in June of the same year. During his early years in the Air Force, he served as a Crypto Operator, from March 1957 to March 1966, He then served his country with distinction in the Vietnam War. Later in his military career, he transitioned to Social Action, where he served as a Drug & Alcohol Abuse Counselor. Joe retired from the Air Force in September of 1979 after a long and dedicated career. Joe earned a number of commendations, medals, and awards during his military service including: The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon, and Airforce Good Conduct Medal.
Joe’s dedication to education was evident throughout his life. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Culver- Stockton University while serving in the military; and later, after retiring he completed his master’s degree at Southwest Texas State (Texas State). Following his military service, Joe began a second career as a US Civil Servant. He worked as a Foreign Disclosure Officer until his final retirement in October 2000.
A long-standing member of Sherman African Methodist Episcopal Church, he served many years as the Steward Pro-Tem and was the Steward Pro-Tem Emiritus until his passing
Joe was predeceased by his parents Joe, Sr., and Bertha Sanders. He is survived by his wife, Liz; Children: Mike, Paula, Neal, Carol; Goddaughter: Keisha (Jovon), Daughter- in-Love: Connie; Godson: Christopher (Desiree) Mitchell-Kelley, Grandchildren: Alvin Jr., Blair (Misty), Courtney, Melody, Porchia, Jasmine, Corey (Michelle), Christina, Shania, JaQuane, Kyle, & Mia:
21 great grandchildren and two great -great grandchildren: his siblings, Tommy Ray (Donna), Calvin (Anna), and Shirley; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
Services
Interment: March 17, 2025 9:15 am - August 26, 2025 2:30 pm
Fort Sam Houston National CemeteryView current weather.
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Thank for being who you were. I will continue to cherish the memories of your friendshp with Larry and being there for your goddaughter and the others.
We are but blades of grass, and flowers that blooms in the morning and faded at night. May the Peace of God continue to be with the family in this hour. We mourn not like those with no hope, because we will see you again in that great getting up morning, when the trumpet shall sound and the dead in Christ will rise first. saying this is our God…
To the Sanders family: you all are in my thoughts and prayers during your hours of grief. Brother Sanders was a wonderful man and lived a beautiful life. May he rest in peace and God bless his family. Jean Butler
I love you Uncle Joe. Your love for family was immeasurable. You were not only a brother to my dad but also his friend. I’ll never forget my visit to San Antonio as a little girl. Your visits in the living room with daddy during Labor Day would be my fondest memories. Prayers for Aunt Liz, the children and grandchildren. May his light continue to shine through those who loved him! Amelia Sanders-Nelson
This is my Father and I miss him so. I know God said it was his time, but I can’t images my world without him. In time I will learn to accept this, but for now I truly miss my Dad