Obituaries » Henry Henderson Sanders Jr.

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Henry Henderson Sanders Jr.

July 5, 1929 - March 18, 2016

U.S. Veteran

Burial Date March 28, 2016

Visitation

Sunday, March 27, 2016
3pm – 6pm
Miracles Signs Wonders
136 Wright Street
Bethel Springs, Tennessee

Service

Monday, March 28, 2016
11:00 am
First Baptist Church
143 Jackson Street
Bethel Springs, Tennessee

Interment

Bethel Springs Cemetery

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Henry Henderson Sanders was born to Rev. Henry Henderson Sanders and his wife Mary Eliza Hill on July 5, 1929. He was small for his age but learned the value of hard work early in life. He served as the messenger boy and baby sitter for his nieces and nephews as their parents toiled in the cotton fields. He was a keen observer and learned quickly. He worked diligently but was often enticed into mischief by fun-loving siblings.

He entered Bethel Springs Rosenwald School before he was of age, tagging along with his mother who was employed at the school. When he was formally enrolled he was a quick study and worked hard to maintain good grades. He formed a strong bond with his buddy, Grady Robinson. The two went on to McNairy County High School and graduated Valedictorian and Salutatorian in 1948. Henry entered A & I State College (Tennessee State) with a few suits, a few dollars and a desire to learn. Having a strong work ethic served him well for he had to work in the cattle barns in the morning, a local cafeteria at lunch and as a night watchman in Bellmeade over the weekends. He budgeted his money and was able to make ends meet.

Henry accepted the call into the ministry in 1956 as a Wesleyan minister. Pastoring at Masseyville, Purdy and Walter L Thompson Wesleyan Churches. He served as Assistant Superintendent of the South Ohio District and statistician. Later he would preach on radio and local cable access channel every Sunday.

During the Korean Conflict Henry was drafted and headed for Europe. He spent two years in the European Theatre, stationed in France and Germany. Upon his return in 1953 he married the love of his life, Lizzie Jo Batts.

In 1955 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee State University. In 1975 he completed his formal education with a Master of Science degree from Tennessee State. For 10 years Rev. Sanders taught at segregated Crowder High School in Decaturville, where he earned the nickname “Prof”. Perhaps the youngest teacher on staff and the most relatable, he taught vocational agriculture and coached basketball while molding the lives of countless young men and women.

After integration he was one of three teachers of color hired to teach at Riverside High School, where he remained for 13 years. Feeling the need to be more of an influence in his home county Henry began a career at McNairy Central High School, serving as FFA advisor and science teacher until his retirement in 1991.

A product of the civil rights era, Henry thought it was extremely important to stay politically active. He worked in various capacities with the NAACP and The Tennessee Voters Council. Henry departed this life on Friday, March 18 at Jackson Madison County General Hospital. He leaves to celebrate his life two daughters: Jacqueline Matthews , Taja Sanders , two grandchildren: Ashley and Trey Smith ;a devoted son-in law; Henry L. Smith a cherished sister in law; Helen M. Sidney a host of nieces and nephews and two very special caregivers Larry and Belinda Taylor.

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