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William Sawyer Obituary
Knoxville, TN
William Edward Sawyer, Jr. (Pete), age 56 departed this life on August 22, 2015 at 8:16pm at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. He was a graduate of Austin East High school, class of 1977.
Preceded in death by parents, William Sr. and Wilma Sawyer; sister, Brenda Lundy. Survivors: wife, Erica Cates Sawyer; sons, William (BA) E. Sawyer, III (Ashley), Christopher (Tip) D. Sawyer (Kiyauna), Tijuan (T Bird) Clemons (Eva), Courtney (Boo) Martin; daughters, Ashley Martin, Fallum Martin; grandchildren, William E Sawyer. IV, Nevaeh N Stephens, Christopher D Sawyer, Jr, Calvin W Sawyer; sisters, Patricia Sawyer, Orlando, FL, Linda Sawyer, Wilma (Peaches) Buford; brother, Rev. Gregory E Sawyer (Titonia), all of Knoxville, TN; devoted friends, Vanessa Truitt, Rev Sanford (Cornbread) Miller, Elston Turner, Andre Keith; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and loving dog, Maria.
Family will assemble at 2415 Hoitt Avenue. Family will receive friends Thursday, August 27, 2015, 6:00pm – 7:00 p.m. funeral to follow at Fern Street Missionary Baptist Church, 121 Fern Street, Rev. Gregory E Sawyer, officiating. Interment, Friday, August 28, 2015 at 9:30 a.m., New Gray Cemetery, 2724 Western Ave, Knoxville, TN 37921. Service to conclude with dove release. Flowers may be delivered to the church. Patton Funeral Home in charge. 1-800-824-8283.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ms. Ruby Hall
September 8, 2015
To the family of Willliam Sawyer my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers are wth each and every one of you in your time of sorrow. William was one of my favorite passengers on the KAT lift that I drive and I will surely miss conversing with him on his journey to his destination. Rev. Sawyer I will continue the conversations with you now as we travel along our way. May peace and blessings be with all of you.
Ms. Ruby
September 5, 2015
To the family of Willliam Sawyer my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers are wth each and every one of you in your time of sorrow. William was one of my favorite passengers on the KAT lift that I drive and I will surely miss conversing with him on his journey to his destination. Rev. Sawyer I will continue the conversations with you now as we travel along our way. May peace and blessings be with all of you.
Anthony (Tony) Waters
September 4, 2015
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Cindy Mire
September 3, 2015
We just heard the news. We are so sorry. He always had such a kindness
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August 27, 2015
Pete!
We had some good times man!
Rest in Peace my brotha. Condolences to the family!!
Your Partner
Elston Turner
Cheryl Alsup(Stewart)
August 27, 2015
R.I.H. Pete!
Kimberley Fowler
August 27, 2015
I will truly miss seeing Pete every week at Golden Age. We would talk about high school, the fun we had in the band and most notably the Haves and the Have Notes making our predictions on what we thought would happen next. Pete (and Maria) was a favorite to many at Golden Age and will truly be missed. My prayers for peace and comfort to the family.
August 27, 2015
To Rev Sawyer and Family; Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We Love You guys. Harry and Mae Dixon and family.
Joe and Nancy Bogner
August 27, 2015
To all the Sawyer family. We are so sorry for your loss. We pray God's comfort, peace and strength be upon all of you during this difficult time.
Andre` Keith
August 26, 2015
Pete my buddy, I will miss you more than words could ever say, you are in Gods hands now no more pain no more sorrow.
Janet Robinson-Neal
August 26, 2015
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our family will never forget your kindness and love shown during our stay in Knoxville... May showers of blessings pour upon each of you always ...
Johnnie Mae Patterson
August 26, 2015
For in times of trouble, HE is always there, to pick you up. I remember the smile and the time we had together. My prayers are with the family
Saundra (Gwyn) McClendon
August 26, 2015
RIP Classmate!! Peaches & Family you are in my prayers!
Douglas Johnson
August 26, 2015
Condolences to the family of my BEST childhood friend. What a great man! May God comfort each of you. Only he knows what you need. Doug "Bayboy" Johnson A-E Class of 1977 and Austin Homes neighbor.
August 26, 2015
To The Sawyer Family; May God continue to strengthen each of you,one day at a time. Wonderful Memories. Rest in Peace my brother(Pete). Linda Tinsley-Lattimore Austin-East High School Class of 1977.
Cynthia Goins, AE Class of 1977
August 26, 2015
Rest in Peace, Pete. I will cherish the memories of your kind and warm heart from the time I got to know you at Green Elementary School through the Austin-East High years and in our adult years.
Greg Hyatt
August 26, 2015
R.I.P. Pete. You will be missed
Greg & Gina Hyatt
Herman Mitchell
August 26, 2015
To the family may God give you peace and strength during this time of bereavement, RIP classmate you will be missed.
Jacquelyn Dale
August 26, 2015
May his smile light up heaven
Loretta Stewart Reid
August 26, 2015
To The Sawyer My God Be With You All In This Time Of Sorrow & Loss.
Rev.Dewayne Moore
August 26, 2015
God never make mistakes therefore take refuge in his works. Family keep your faith.
August 26, 2015
BA, Chris, T-Bird, & The Sawyer Family, May God continue to Bless you during this most difficult time. You have our deepest sympathy.
Love,
The Dobson Family
Robert askew
August 26, 2015
My condolences to the family
Dennis Brown
August 26, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Deborah Hopewell- Jackson
August 26, 2015
To The Family: Sorry to hear the passing of Pete. May God Send Down His Guardian Angels To Give The Family Strength & Comfort During This Time & The Days Ahead.
Rest In Paradise Pete.
Geraldine Riddle Littlejohn & Family
August 26, 2015
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandra Croxdale
August 26, 2015
Pete was a wonderful man-Always smiling and never had an unkind word to say about anyone-I will never forget you my dear friend-So long til we meet again-Love and Peace to the family
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