John Knox Sanders, 75
September 5, 1948 – January 13, 2024
John Knox Sanders was born to Janis Knox and Richard Wolsey Sanders on September 5, 1948 in New Albany, MS. He spent the first six years of his life on the Sanders farm in Booneville, MS. He then moved to New Albany where he grew up and lived as an adult. John was a strong willed and curious child, traits that would remain with him throughout adulthood. John graduated from W.P. Daniel High School in 1966 and proceeded to attend The University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Northeast Community College and eventually graduated from Delta State University.
While it was hard for John to commit to an academic institution, he had no trouble in other areas. John often referenced the summer of 1960, when he first spotted Kathy Ann Cooper at the city pool, as a pivotal moment in his life. He loved her from 7th grade on, marrying her on his birthday, September 5, 1970. They remained married for 53 years.
As a young adult, John enjoyed his time working for the railroad. He then sold real estate for several years, but the majority of his career was spent in sales for the furniture industry in Tupelo, MS. He ended his career back in real estate as an appraiser in New Albany.
John would tell you his life’s greatest legacy was his family. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Wolsey Sanders, and survived by his mother Janis Knox Sanders; wife Kathy Cooper Sanders, son Ben Sanders (Cheryl) and their children Caroline and Cooper; daughter Laura Montgomery (Charles) and their children Ann Luckett, Cal, and Baxter; son Jacob Sanders (Lauren) and their children Finley and Haywood; siblings Bob Sanders, David Sanders, and Corinne Butler (Clyde) as well as many nieces and nephews.
John was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, with a quiet faith, often finding solace in the beauty and wonder of the woods and nature. While not a fan of academic institutions, he was a life-long learner with a passion for reading. He was often scolded in elementary school for sneaking a favorite book during math lessons. As a child, John was known to assume the characters of the books he read, often confusing his mother as to whom she was addressing. This passion continued throughout adulthood as he was a faithful patron of the Union County Library. Cooking was another of John’s loves.
He cherished the opportunity to prepare meals for his family, and they graciously accepted his gifts for many years. Thankfully, his beloved recipes are saved and will be passed down for many generations to come. John loved his family fiercely and he will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, January 18, at United Funeral Home in New Albany, MS, followed by a family burial on Friday, January 19 at New Albany City Cemetery.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: the Union County Library at https://www.union.lib.ms.us/, Mississippi Wildlife Federation at https://mswildlife.org/ or Sanctuary Hospice House at https://www.sanctuaryhospicehouse.com/.
United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements. For online condolences and guest registry, please visit www.unitedfuneralservice.com
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
