Arthur Saunders Sr.

Arthur Saunders Sr. SUFFOLK - Arthur Ellsworth Saunders Sr., 91, son of the late Paschal D. Saunders and Daisy Smith Saunders, died peacefully at his home, on Aug. 12, 2010. Arthur was born in Portsmouth and graduated from Wilson High School and the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Apprentice School. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in Iran during World War II. He retired from SUPSHIP Newport News after 37 years of federal service. He loved the water and could be found fishing or crabbing on Scotts Creek as a boy and later on the Elizabeth and Nansemond Rivers. He was a commercial crabber for more than 60 years, retiring at age 89. Arthur wanted to be known as a working man who loved his Lord, family and country. He worshipped at Calvary Baptist Church his entire life where he served as a deacon, usher and Sunday school teacher for many years. He loved bowling and was a member of the Calvary Bowling Team for more than 50 years. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ida B who was the love of his life; sisters, Vivian Wyatt and Pat Clark of Portsmouth; sons, Arthur Saunders Jr. of Melfa and Tim Saunders of Carrollton; daughters, Paulette Smith of Suffolk and Lineta Witherow of Portsmouth; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers, Robert Saunders Sr. and Ray Saunders. The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation and love to all of you for your love, prayers, and acts of kindness during this difficult time and especially to caregivers, Gail Sykes and Pearl Moore. The funeral will be conducted by Rev James Clark at Loving Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Memorial Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Loving Funeral Home. Flowers will be received and memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church World Missions Fund, 2117 London Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23704. Online condolences and Arthur's guestbook may be signed at www. lovingfuneralhome.com.