Larry Milton Saunders

1949 - 2022

Mr. Larry Milton Saunders was born on Aug. 3, 1949, in St. Augustine, Florida. His loving parents, Mamie and William Saunders, and his sister Mary Saunders preceded him in death.

Larry entered the Alachua County Public School District as a curious first grader at A. Quinn Jones Elementary School and exited as a self-assured graduating senior from Lincoln High School, Class of 1967. He pursued his passion and dream of service in the funeral profession. He graduated from the Miami-Dade College School of Mortuary Science. He was both a Licensed Embalmer and Licensed Funeral Director.

Larry M. Saunders was a kind servant committed to his church, job, family and community. He knew that the real purpose of life is not just to be happy, but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, and to help others. This kind creature of God has left his fingerprints of service over this entire community; and like all fingerprints, his are truly one of a kind.

He leaves to mourn: a brother, Robert (Ruth) Saunders; nephews: Alvin Bell, Jason Saunders, and Robert S. Saunders, Jr.; nieces: Ashley Prim, Icela Saunders, and Robyn Saunders; godchildren: Karla Davis Jamison, Dinah Davis, and Christopher M. Chestnut; and a host of cousins and friends.

Visitation for Mr. Saunders was on Aug. 3, 2022, at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 630 NW 2nd Street, Gainesville, FL 32601.

Funeral Services were held on Thursday, August 4, at Grace at Fort Clarke United Methodist Church, 9325 West Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL 32606. Pastor Rick Thompson, with Rev. Erica Smith, presided, and Rev. Geraldine McClellan, officiated. Interment followed in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Chestnut Funeral Home. Cards may be sent to 18 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. To order floral arrangements, please visit www.chestnutfh.com/obituary/larrysaunders.