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Roger Saunders Obituary
Roger, Jr. graduated from Kecoughtan High School, class of 1973 where he was the captain of the track and cross country team. Roger Jr. went to Hampton Institute the class of "New Birth '77" on a track scholarship. His decision to attend Hampton would change the course of his life. It was there that he met his soulmate Sonya at the end of their freshman year in 1974, and the couple became one of Hampton Institute's love stories. They married in 1983 and welcomed their baby girl blessing, Morgan Ashley in 1989.
After graduation, he joined his beloved dad, Roger "Pop" Saunders, Sr., in the car business. Together, they served generations of loyal customers, many of whom became Roger, Jr.'s lifelong friends. His hard work, top-level salesmanship, and excellent customer service won him frequent industry and national recognition including worldwide travel. Because of his keen business acumen, his career at Pomoco spanned 45 years until he retired in 2018.
Roger, Jr. along with his brothers, Ralph "Jerry" Saunders, and Kyle "KP" Saunders, fulfilled their late father's dream by opening Saunders Motor Company in Hampton, VA.
Roger, Jr. was raised in Antioch Baptist Church, Hampton, VA and as an adult joined First Baptist Church of Hampton. He relished his role as family patriarch to all of his family. His love for track and field only grew fonder when his daughter Morgan followed in his footsteps at Kecoughtan High School and in college; he never missed a meet.
As a husband, Roger, Jr. was loving, steadfast, and patient. As a father, he modeled to his beloved daughter what it means to be respected and revered as a woman.
His memory will forever be cherished by his loving family: his wife; Sonya Evans Saunders; his daughter, Morgan Ashley Saunders; his two brothers, Ralph Jerry Saunders (Tanya), and Kyle Patrick Saunders Sr. (Sarah); his nieces and nephews, his brother and sisters-in-love Leonard and Nicole Nicholson; his uncles and aunts Phil Saunders (Cherry), Ralph Boone, Eddie Futrell Sr, Lois Boone, and special sister in love, Ruby Cosby.
Public viewing Wednesday, February 24th from 12-6pm and PRIVATE funeral on Thursday, February 25th at Cooke Brothers Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations on behalf of Roger Saunders Jr to be made to the American Diabetes Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Saunders
Sponsored by Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel & Crematory - Downtown.
Jacque Kendall
February 17, 2025
We miss you, Roger! I know you´re looking down on your baby girl MORGAN, and seeing the great things that she´s doing!
Sean
August 15, 2024
Sonya my name is Sean Gatz and I have met you. Roger Junior was a friend of mine. I just called him. Roger Putt and I was a sports fanatic in school playing state football for Bethel and State wrestling, but Rogers did deeds for me and realestate work while at Jones Blickman, Willson and Kelly, I am dictating this so the words are misspelled I can see but if you would, I´d like to give you a call or meet you anywhere you want in Hampton and talk with you because I´m just finding out about this and it breaks my heart Sean Gatz my phone number is 443-513-8047. I´m a military jet pilot and I´m here in the local area. He was a good friend of mine. I would like to talk with you and , buy you some food or have a coffee or a drink thank you kindly I used to see him at his office. No appointment just walked in and see him and smile at his secratary, his name I forget right now at this point, but you could tell me because we were very close , thank you I have retired from the military, but I still travel a lot and I would just like to hear from you to see some energies that he did. Thank you my phone number is 443-513-8047 and I live in a local area please call .
Henry Ayer
February 19, 2023
It´s actually been two years! Miss you friend!
Henry Ayer
February 18, 2023
I cannot believe a year has passed. I was just talking about you last week. Miss seeing you and sharing an occasional cigar. Hope you´re keeping an eye on my dad! I know your dad was glad to see him!
Peggy H. Murvin
March 12, 2021
I can't believe the news of Roger's passing. He was a friend to my family through golf and years of buying cars. I would see him and his wife during the holidays when we would all meet at my cousin's home (Sammie) for our New Year's breakfast. Roger was one of the coolest brothers. He always conducted business with so much class and grace, just like his father. Condolences to the family. Roger will be missed.
Jacqueline Kendall
March 3, 2021
I’m shocked!! He was such a good family man! I could always count on him and Sonya... I was suppose to come look at a truck. He was going to show me... I’d just stop by to eat up the candy on the desk! He loved him some Morgan!! He was fab track dad and girl dad! Rest well , rest well!!
Jacqueline Kendall
March 3, 2021
I’m shocked!! He was such a good family man! I could always count on him and Sonya... I was suppose to come look at a truck. He was going to show me... I’d just stop by to eat up the candy on the desk! He loved him some Morgan!! He was fab track dad and girl dad! Rest well , rest well!!
gloria c twitty
February 28, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Roger was an exemplary husband and father and this should give you strength to face the future.
Kathleen Thompson
February 25, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to your family for such a great loss. Roger was such a good person & was always ready to help someone
Ladonne Archer
February 25, 2021
Sorry to hear of your loss our families have been together for a lifetime. He will be missed lovingly Lee & LaDonne
Maria Ramadan
February 24, 2021
Mr. Saunders was the best. He had such a warm, kind heart. I, along with my family will miss him. I just can't say enough wonderful things about him, there is so much good that he did. My prayers are to the Saunders family.
Sincerely, Maria Ramadan
Nicole Patrick-Eason
February 24, 2021
My condolences to the Saunders family. Mr. Roger, will be greatly missed. He was a great-genuine man of our community. The experience of knowing Mr. Roger will never be forgotten. He has provided transportation and friendships for many generation of families in the community. Praying for comfort for His wife, daughter, brothers and rest of the family.
Sincerely,
Nicole Patrick-Eason
Tony Ricks
February 24, 2021
Roger, Jr was simply the best! I feel blessed to have been his friend. I will miss him. I will always remember my brother.
Sonya, Morgan, Jerry, KP ...
I keep you all in prayer with the faith that God will continue to strengthen you through this sad time of loss.
Pluke, here’s to a life well lived and worthy of celebration. Rest In Peace my old and trusted friend.
Rest In Peace
Ingrid Moore
February 23, 2021
Such quiet strength that pillared family and community, Roger Saunders. May you Rest well in Eternal Peace.
“Well done good and faithful servant.” Matt 25:21
ALEXANDER GUYNN JR.
February 23, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Suzanne Gwathmey
February 23, 2021
EVERYONE thought the WORLD of Pluke.! He had a SMILE that would light up the room and a JOLLY LAUGH to go along with it! My heart is so heavy for ALL of MY Saunders Family........My Close Friends! God will continue to keep you air tight with LOVE, this is what your parents instilled in ALL of you! Pop, Mom & Debbie have Pluke with them now looking down from Heaven! Deepest Sympathy & Love, Suzanne Boone Gwathmey Turner & The Effie Boone Family (Grandma).
Terry Ennis
February 23, 2021
Sonya and Morgan, so sorry to read about the loss of your husband and father. He must’ve been a wonderful man. Will keep your family in my prayers during this sad time.
Terry Ennis
Becky’s Hallmark/Willow Oaks
Ramon Batten
February 23, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Paul Parker
February 23, 2021
roger was a legendary salesman and i was honored to have worked with him. A classy gentleman and a dedicated family man. My deepest sympathy to the family. Rest in peace my friend
Charlie Williams
February 23, 2021
We lost one of the best, when it came the auto industry, the Saunders name stood out , Roger Jr was my friend and one of the most professional people I know. My deepest condolences goes out to Kyle and family, for your loss. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Henry Ayer
February 22, 2021
A little over a month ago we sat in my office reminiscing about the “good ole days”. We certainly had a blast. I learned so much from you and your father. My father also loved you like one of his own. I am truly heartbroken along with everyone else that knows and loves you. Prayers of peace, hope and comfort to the family!
Sherri and Werner Seyfried
February 22, 2021
When you think about Sonya and those Hampton Days, you automatically think about Sonya and “Pluke”, the love story starts there and continues. Find comfort in knowing Pluke’s spirit is with you always. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Sherri and Werner Seyfried
Sonya McKeithan
February 22, 2021
To Sonya and the entire family. Please know I am praying God will strengthen you all during this very difficult time. And, fond memories will replace the pain and tears. Let me knowvif you need anything! Love you, Sonya McKeithan
Michelle Horne
February 22, 2021
"Pluke" could always be seen running in the early days, or playing football or just having a great personality!
Last saw and spoke with him at Debbie's repast, standing Saunder's Strong!
Sonya, Morgan so sorry for your loss.
Blessings, peace and love
Michelle Horne
Ronnie Armstead
February 22, 2021
I recall Roger as a man that always had a smile and a way of speaking which was so kool , Rest JR Rest
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