Obituary: Steve Sanders
Steve Sanders, a beloved minister and family man, was born on August 21, 1959, in Memphis, Tennessee. He left this world on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Steve dedicated more than 45 years of his life to the ministry, sharing the gospel, and inspiring countless individuals through his sermons at churches of Christ in Bolivar, Heber Springs, Arkansas, Slidell, Louisiana, and Doniphan, Missouri, where he served for 30 years.
He pursued his education diligently, graduating from Bolivar Central High School in 1978 and later from the Memphis School of Preaching in 1982. In the early 1990s, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Freed-Hardeman University, laying a solid foundation for his future in ministry.
Steve’s love for woodworking and hunting showcased his appreciation for nature and craftsmanship, but above all, it was his family that brought him the greatest joy. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. His wife, Courtney A. Sanders, whom he married on December 19, 1980, and daughters Dianne Spears and her husband, David from West Plains, Missouri, and Susan Sanders (Jeff Davidson) from Memphis, were central to his life, as was his beloved grandson, Aiden Pickens of West Plains, Missouri.
Steve is survived by his sisters, Barbara Reszel (Jim) of Ramer, Carrie Lovelace of Corinth, Mississippi, Beth Ueleke (Brian) of Germantown, Rachel Ross (Will) of Hornsby, Becky Stanton (Wesley) of Hornsby, and Charlotte Mullins of Lexington. His family circle also includes brothers, Billy Joe Sanders, Jr. of Ramer, Doug McFarland (Debra) of Jackson, Ben Sanders (Carrie) of Hornsby, and Jerry Snider of Lexington, who will undoubtedly carry his spirit forward.
Steve was predeceased by his father and stepmother, Billy Joe and Sandy Sanders, and mother, Mary Jordan Snider Davis, whose love and guidance undoubtedly inspired his lifelong journey of faith.
The funeral services celebrating Steve’s remarkable life will be held at Shackelford Funeral Directors on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 2 p.m. in Bolivar, Tennessee. He will be laid to rest at the Bolivar Memorial Cemetery.
Steve Sanders leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and faith that will be forever remembered by his family and friends. His unwavering commitment to his ministry and the love he had for his family will resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. Memorial contributions in his name may be sent to the Memphis School of Preaching, the Bolivar church of Christ, 1018 West Market Street, Bolivar, Tennessee 38008, or Vanderbilt University Center Medical Center Giving.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
Read more obituaries by clicking here.
Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by following Hatchie Press on Facebook and subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.
