Lawrence "Larry" Saunders

Lawrence (Larry) Patrick Saunders passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. He was the son of the late Arthur Lloyd Saunders, Jr. and Theresa Cooper Saunders and was born on November 12, 1949, in Savannah, Georgia.
He attended Cathedral Day School and later graduated from Benedictine Military School (1967) and the University of Georgia (1971). He served his country in the Georgia Army National Guard.
Larry cherished the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves with the conviction of a saint, through dry spells and - thankfully - recent championship years.
Having played football and basketball at Benedictine, he was awarded the Neil Sledge Sportsmanship Award during his senior year. As an adult, he played on the Knights of Columbus Council 631 recreation league softball team and spent many years coaching basketball in the Savannah Parochial School league. His favorite sports quote came from the movie "Hoosiers" – "Team, team, team: no one more important than the other."
Later in life, he would say, "Sports are the only thing holding this country together."
Larry was born with a generous heart, a dry sense of humor, and a low, raspy laugh. He was always there when his family needed him - to support them when they faced a hard time or to celebrate when times were good.
He was a great dancer at weddings, St. Patrick's Day parties, or wherever there was a dance floor and a live band.
He took immense pride in his Irish heritage and Catholic faith and was a faithful communicant of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Hibernian Society, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Irish Heritage Society, and Knights of Columbus - Council 631. Over the years, he served as both a member and treasurer of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and marched in many parades, rain or shine.
Larry was a skilled certified public accountant and spent 27 years at Gulfstream Aerospace, before serving as financial director at the Catholic Diocese of Savannah for 16 years. He was a tirelessly hard worker but had an amazing ability to leave work stress at the office. Talking about work after hours didn't make the next day any easier, he said.
He is preceded in death by his brother Stephen Saunders, his sisters Therese Saunders Leonard and Rose Marie Saunders, and his brother-in-law Bernie McDonough.
Larry is survived by his wife Melinda, his stepchildren Merritt Melancon (Blake Aued) and Thomas Melancon, a granddaughter Iris Aued, his siblings Lloyd Saunders, Vincent Saunders, Patty Saunders Mizelle (Eddie), Mary Agnes Saunders McDonough, sister-in-law Annelle Smith Saunders, his in-laws the Paige family and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 4, 2024, from 5 pm until 7 pm at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. A Rosary service will be held at 6 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am, Monday, August 5, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Bonaventure Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to Benedictine Military School,
6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah, GA 31406.