Jerry Clayton Sanders, Sr.

Jerry "Smiley" Clayton Sanders, Sr., 85, of Star City, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2020, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff. He was born September 30, 1934, in Drew County, to the late James and Dell Watkins Sanders. Jerry was a member of First Baptist Church of Star City; served in the Arkansas National Guard; was a 32nd degree Mason with Branchville Lodge and was an Eastern Star. Jerry worked for International Paper for years, was the former owner of Sanders Grocery, and retired after 12 years as the Lincoln County Treasurer. Also preceding him in death were a son and daughter-in-law, Randy Ashmore and Brenda Ashmore; and three sisters, Peggy, Jimmie Ann, and Nancy. Survivors include his wife, Lena Gladys McGriff Sanders of Star City; two sons, Jerry (Rozanna) Sanders, Jr. of El Cajon, Calif., and Tracy (Jessica) Sanders of Star City; eight grandchildren, Corey Ashmore, George Sanders, Garrett Sanders, Jerry Sanders, III, Ernie Sanders, Riley Sanders, Myra Sanders and Gage Sanders; and two great-grandchildren, Shawn Ashmore and Blaine Newman. Funeral services are 2 p.m., Friday, September, 18, 2020, at Griffin Funeral Chapel with Bro. Marcus Rogers and Bro. Chris Dixon officiating. Visitation is 12:30-2 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. Grandsons will be pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Cubie Hamilton, Raymond Morgan and Barry Boren. Burial at Drake Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.