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Celebrating the life of

Lawrence "Larry" Saunders

November 12, 1949 - July 31, 2024

Lawrence

Lawrence (Larry) Patrick Saunders passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. He was the son of the late Arthur Lloyd Saunders, Jr. and Theresa Cooper Saunders and was born on November 12, 1949, in Savannah, Georgia.

He attended Cathedral Day School and later graduated from Benedictine Military School (1967) and the University of Georgia (1971). He served his country in the Georgia Army National Guard.

Larry cherished the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves with the conviction of a saint, through dry spells and — thankfully — recent championship years.

Having played football and basketball at Benedictine, he was awarded the Neil Sledge Sportsmanship Award during his senior year. As an adult, he played on the Knights of Columbus Council 631 recreation league softball team and spent many years coaching basketball in the Savannah Parochial School league. His favorite sports quote came from the movie “Hoosiers” – “Team, team, team: no one more important than the other.”

Later in life, he would say, “Sports are the only thing holding this country together.”

Larry was born with a generous heart, a dry sense of humor, and a low, raspy laugh. He was always there when his family needed him - to support them when they faced a hard time or to celebrate when times were good.

He was a great dancer at weddings, St. Patrick’s Day parties, or wherever there was a dance floor and a live band.

He took immense pride in his Irish heritage and Catholic faith and was a faithful communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Hibernian Society, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Irish Heritage Society, and Knights of Columbus - Council 631. Over the years, he served as both a member and treasurer of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and marched in many parades, rain or shine.

Larry was a skilled certified public accountant and spent 27 years at Gulfstream Aerospace, before serving as financial director at the Catholic Diocese of Savannah for 16 years. He was a tirelessly hard worker but had an amazing ability to leave work stress at the office. Talking about work after hours didn’t make the next day any easier, he said.

He is preceded in death by his brother Stephen Saunders, his sisters Therese Saunders Leonard and Rose Marie Saunders, and his brother-in-law Bernie McDonough.

Larry is survived by his wife Melinda, his stepchildren Merritt Melancon (Blake Aued) and Thomas Melancon, a granddaughter Iris Aued, his siblings Lloyd Saunders, Vincent Saunders, Patty Saunders Mizelle (Eddie), Mary Agnes Saunders McDonough, sister-in-law Annelle Smith Saunders, his in-laws the Paige family and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 4, 2024, from 5 pm until 7 pm at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. A Rosary service will be held at 6 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am, Monday, August 5, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Bonaventure Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to Benedictine Military School,

6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA 31406.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Rest in peace my dear brother in law.

- Annelle Saunders, Savannah, Ga

I’m so very sorry for your loss. What a sweet face he had! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

- Sarah Osterhoudt, Savannah, GA

I’m so sorry to see this, however, I know that Stevie is so pleased to welcome Larry to Heaven. Much love and heartfelt sympathy to all of the Saunders family .

- Jan Crawford, Va. Beach, VA

So very sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you and yours.

- Phyllis Saunders , Tybee island, Georgia

Our deepest sympathy & prayers for your family in this time of sorrow

- Ronnie & Sherry Beebe, Savannah , Ga

We are so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. He was a great guy with a great smile. Rest in peace Larry. May Gods peace be with his family during this difficult time.

- Carol and William Ray, SAVANNAH, GA

Love you always Uncle Larry. May you rest in peace.

- Egan Saunders, Magnolia, TX

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this difficult time. May his memory be eternal.

- Irene Miltiades Purdy, Richmond, VA

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Saunders family. I am so sorry for your loss.

- Mary Anne Butler, Tybee Island, GA

Larry was always a great guy and had a smile and good word for everyone. RIP my friend.

- Benny Wells , Savannah , Ga

Patty, I am so sorry to learn of Larry’s death. Big brothers are the best! I pray you find comfort in the many happy memories y’all created throughout your lives. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” With love and prayers.

- Jane Patricia Harte, Savannah, Ga

Melinda; I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family will be in my heart. May his memory be a blessing.

- martha swindelle, savannah, GA

Melinda, I’m so sorry for your loss, prayers for you and your family

- Becky Anstine Bolt, Savannah , Ga

Dearest cousins, Please know that you are greatly loved during this time of loss. Larry was a good man and a wonderful husband and stepdad to Melinda and the kids!!! Peace to all of you!

- Nancy Ciucevich Story and family, Carthage, NC

Melinda and Therese, so very sorry for your loss. Praying for you, your family and friends.

- Elizabeth M Fitzgerald, Savannah, GA

To all of the Saunders Family, In these moments of loss, words are useless. God rest Larry's soul. May peace be with him & with you, his family and loved ones. I will cherish my memories of this kind & gentlemanly man, as he was truly one of a kind. God bless.

- Carolyn S. Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA

Sad I love this family. Saunders are a deep part of the Schroder life.

- Henry and Kim Schroder, Burlington , Wa.

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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