Hiram “Jake” Sanders, 84
November 16, 1939 – February 17, 2024
Tupelo/Lufkin, TX- Hiram Bell “Jake” Sanders, Jr, 84, died Saturday, February 17, 2024 at his residence in Tupelo after a period of declining health. Jake was born in Lufkin, TX on November 16, 1939 to the late H.B. Sanders, Sr and Mellie Jane Modisette Sanders, the youngest of 8 born to this union. He attended Stephen F. Austin College on a scholarship and was a singer in a men’s ensemble. Jake married the love of his life, Shirlene Holcomb Sanders on Jan. 19, 1962, a marriage of 62 years which he took much pride in. A patriotic American, he served in the U.S Army as a Sergeant, E-5. An Accountant by profession, Jake and Shirlene moved to Tupelo with their family in 1975. He served several area furniture manufacturers in their accounting departments, notably Brookwood, Landmark and USI Industries before retiring. While the children were in college, Jake and Shirlene founded Fisherman’s Bay Restaurant in Tupelo and operated it to the delight of their many customers for 10 years before selling it. Jake and Shirlene were longtime members of St. Luke United Methodist Church where they faithfully attended and served in many of its ministries. He was Chairman of the College Scholarship Fund, sang in the Men’s Ensemble, was a regular patron of the Coffee Shop there and helped with the Food Pantry. Habitat for Humanity was another of his passions. Jake had a wicked sense of humor, loved making folks feel welcomed and loved, cherished Southern Gospel music and reading Louis L’Amour novels, a throwback to the frontier days of his beloved birth state, Texas. Known as Papa Jake to his grands, he was never happier than when surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.
A Service of Death and Resurrection celebrating Jake’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 11 AM from St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1400 Clayton Ave, Tupelo, MS with his pastor, the Rev. Rob Gill officiating. The family will receive friends at St. Luke from 10 AM until the service time on Wednesday. Jake will be transported to Lufkin, TX for burial in the Sanders family plot at Gann Cemetery. There will be a graveside committal service held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 1 PM Noon. For those unable to attend the funeral service in Tupelo, it will be livestreamed on the FaceBook page of St. Luke United Methodist Church Tupelo, MS starting at 11 AM. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their friends. Pallbearers will be Walter Burns, Bill Mims, Larry Coggin, Al Wiygul, Ronnie Day, and Jackie Blackburn.
Jake is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirlene Holcomb Sanders, son Don Sanders, DDS; daughters Paulette Behan and husband Richard Behan and Sunni Sanders; granddaughters Sarah Sanders, Avery Sanders, and Kara Stupka; grandsons Abram Stupka and Shepherd Stupka; great-grandsons, Gunnar Stupka and Crue Smith; his sister, Gaynell Thompson of Texas and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.
Condolences for the family may be left on Jake’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
