Roger Everett Sanders

Roger Everett Sanders, 64, of White Hall, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 following a swift and courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 22, 1952 at Davis Hospital in Pine Bluff, to James Everett "Jim" and Laura Jeanette "Ruby" Rodgers Sanders. Roger began his education in the Sherrill School District and later graduated from Altheimer High School in 1970. Roger grew up in Sherrill, Ark. as the 7th of 8 children, and was very much involved within the family business. Sanders House Moving & Towing Company was started in 1939 by his father, "Big Jim" and continues in operation today under the ownership of his brother, Charles, as the first house moving business in the state of Arkansas. Always a successful businessman and entrepreneur, in the early to mid 1970s, Roger decided to set out on his own and he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he got his start in sales by selling tractors for Ford Motor Company and later liquidating oil field equipment. After some time, he decided to return home and went to work for Harold Austin, his mentor. Roger and Harold shared many experiences together, buying and selling heavy machinery all over the country. In the 1980s, Roger and his longtime friend and business partner Gilbert Garrett owned and operated Arkansas Crane & Crawler, a successful crane sales and rental company. In 1990, Roger started Roger Sanders, Inc., which grew to encompass many different enterprises throughout the years, such as Sanders Equipment Company, Sanders Auction Company, and S&G Containers (another partnership with Gilbert.) In 2006, Roger and Gilbert entered into yet another business venture. They decided since they had done just about everything else, why not be in the rock business too. Together, along with Gilbert's son, Grant Garrett, they started Arkansas Aggregates, Inc. in Little Rock. With a spirit of giving more than taking, Roger volunteered his services at numerous charity auctions over the years for Potpourri, Junior League of Pine Bluff, the White Hall Police Officers Association, the Jefferson County Circle of Friends, the Jefferson County Board of Realtors, and the Log-A-Load for Kids benefiting the Arkansas Children's Hospital. Roger was a member of First Presbyterian Church, the Arkansas Auctioneers Association, and served as a special deputy appointed by the sheriff of Jefferson County for many years. He loved James Bond movies, watching Wheel of Fortune, Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous Ribs in Memphis, vacationing on the emerald beaches of Florida, the Christmas season, Razorback basketball, reading James Patterson books and spending time with his many friends and family. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Margaret Selby, Peggy Lou Bryant, and Betty Sue Thomas. Survivors include his wife Susan Gavin Sanders, whom he married July 1, 1988 in Pine Bluff at the home of his dear friend Ronnie Jones; son, James Gavin "Jim" Sanders of White Hall; daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Sanders of White Hall; brothers, Charles Sanders, Sr. of Star City, Larry Sanders (Kim) of Moore, Oklahoma; sisters, Ida Sanders Daniels and Clarice "Reecy" Wetmore both of Little Rock. He is also survived by his longtime friend, partner, and confidant Gilbert Garrett of Hot Springs along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. The family also expresses sincere gratitude for the many visits, calls, and gifts from the members of the community, especially the Burgess family of White Hall. Another grateful appreciation to Diana Millenbaugh and the ladies of Hospice Angels that brought such comfort and peace in the final moments of such a remarkable life. A visitation will be held Friday, August 19, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. in the chapel at Ralph Robinson & Son with a memorial service on Saturday, August 20, 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Jeff Price officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are friends Chuck Morgan, Scott Burgess, Jeff Jones, and Tyler Carr all of White Hall, and Gilbert and Grant Garrett of Hot Springs. The family will be at the Sanders home in White Hall. Memorials are requested to MD Anderson Development Office, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210, or to the Jefferson County Circle of Friends for Arkansas Children's Hospital, c/o Tonya Lane, 804 West Street, White Hall, Arkansas 71602. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.