Rayburn R. Sanderson

SANDERSON, Rayburn "Sandy" Reed (78 years old) of Springfield, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 27, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Born August 23, 1936 to Dewey Sanderson and Eula May Belk-Sanderson in Lamar County, Alabama. He married Jewell Guyton-Sanderson on December 25, 1957 in Fulton, Mississippi. He retired as a Union Steward from International Harvester following thirty-nine and a half years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents; his three brothers, Delmer Lee Sanderson, Alton Sanderson and Phillip Ferguson; and one son, Michael A. Sanderson. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Jewell F. Sanderson; daughters, Margaret Ann Sanderson of Tucson, AZ., Lajanice Sanderson of Moline, IL., Tammy Sanderson, Rebecca Bowers and Patsy Sanderson all of Springfield, OH; and son, Rayburn R. Sanderson Jr. also of Springfield. He was a beloved grandfather to fifteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. Ray enjoyed building, selling, and trading automobiles of all makes and models, but especially the fast ones. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles. He was greatly admired for how clean he kept the vehicles he owned. He was a passionate musician who thoroughly enjoyed singing and playing his guitar, banjo, harmonica, and juice harp. Over the years, Ray used his musical talents to bring glory and praise to God not only as a church worship leader, but also as a member of the Gospelaires Quartet, and the Sanderson Family groups, singing and playing music in churches and nursing homes throughout the Southern and Mid-West parts of the country. He also enjoyed operating his CB radio and is remembered by many as "The Green Hornet". Ray endured many trials throughout his battle with Parkinson's Disease, and his earthly body has suffered its ravages. He has always stood on God's promises in NIV Phil. 3:20-21 and believed, "But our citizenship is in Heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body". Although his suffering is over, he will be sadly missed. More than anything in this world, Ray loved his family. His family is comforted by knowing he is celebrating his new heavenly body at his reunion with family and friends who have gone on before him. Viewing will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2015 from 6-8p.m. at JACKSON LYTLE & LEWIS LIFE CELEBRATION CENTER, where a celebration of his life will held on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 1p.m. Entombment to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. Condolences may be expressed to his family by visiting www.jacksonlytle.com

Rayburn R. Sanderson

August 23, 1936 - April 27, 2015