Benjamin "Wayne" Sanders' Obituary
Benjamin “Wayne” Sanders, 85, of Hermitage, Tennessee passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on May 17, 2024. He was born September 15, 1938, in Nashville, Tennessee to James and Ina Bell Sanders.
He married the love of his life, Joyce Dukemineer Knott, on September 8, 1969. They spent many happy years together until her passing in 2000.
He was a long-time member of Two Rivers Baptist church but most recently attended the congregation of Temple Baptist Church in Old Hickory. He was a man of quiet, enduring faith.
Affectionately, called Red by all his friends and coworkers, he never met a stranger and went out of his way to befriend everyone he passed. He had a wicked sense of humor and loved nothing better than telling a good joke. You always knew where you stood with Wayne. He told it like it was and never shied away from sharing his thoughts. He loved spending time with his family taking his grandsons to games and practices or daily phone calls with his sister, Anita. Often, he could be found dancing on the weekends at the American Legion or exercising and socializing at YMCA. He had a huge, sweet tooth and loved hot fudge sundaes, banana splits, and a Wendy’s Frosty.
Wayne was an avid sports fan all his life from playing defensive back at Goodlettsville high school football, watching the Tennessee Vols, but his favorite sport memories were spent with his granddaughter cheering on the Nashville Predators and eating Krystal burgers.
He retired as a drywall carpenter in the early 2000’s, however, his favorite career was a ticket agent at Opryland theme park.
He is predeceased by parents, James and Ina Bell Sanders, and spouse, Joyce Sanders, sister, Lillian Diane Sanders.
Those left behind to cherish his memory are children, James L. Knott, Paula Marie Bryson, Terri Ridley, grandchildren, Stephen (Jennifer) Franklin, Lindsay (Bryce) Bryant, Zachary (Megan) Franklin, Courtney Knott, Tanner Knott, and Candace Ridley, great grandchildren, David, Dustin, Destiny, Graci, Cale, Audra, Jaxson, and Lyric, sister Anita Cummings, niece, Zina (John) Ledford, and nephew Roger (Kristin) Cummings.
“Love you bunches!”
Those serving as pallbearers will be Stephen Franklin, Zachary Frankin, Bryce Bryant, Cale Franklin-Loudermilk, Greg Ruff, and Briley Ruff.
Family and friends will gather to visit at Spring Hill Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 21 from 3 pm until 8 pm and again on Wednesday, May 22 from 12 pm until 2. A celebration of Life will take place Wednesday, May 22 at 2 pm.
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